CHECK OUT ALL THE PHOTOS FROM TRACKSIDE 2009 HERE.

As Trackside Festival made its return to Canberra, some got straight into it, while most just sat under the gloomy sky and chilled out. But for the act that got it all going, Hoodlum Shouts, there were enough people in the crowd to make them feel loved. Having won the title of the latest Triple J Unearthed competition, these local boys had a killer set to kick start the day.

The Galvatrons soon followed with some glam rock tunes, exciting vocals and very energetic moves. With hair like that, you can’t pass up the opportunity to throw it around. Between sets, the friendly lads from the Pro Wrestling ring gave us an eyeful of tight shorts with fluorescent tassels and plenty of smackdowns. Not a huge hit to begin with, but as the beer went down the crowd became a lot more interested. Obviously choreographed, the wrestlers did well to put on an exciting show – especially in that heat.

The turnout was getting a lot stronger as Cassette Kids jumped up on stage to deliver an absolutely smashing set, overcoming some early sound issues. The funky dress and tight singlet wearing teens came running out of the woodwork for this one. The band tested out some of their latest work on the audience, and threw in some of the favourites like You Take It.

Following on from the dance-pop before them, The Basics pared things back to a more mellow sound. Although they broke out into some rockier tunes, the crowd wasn’t as motivated to move around, although most kept eyes on the stage. The crowd seemed to enjoy the variety in music, but throughout this set the atmosphere did die down a little.

There was a huge roar once Drapht busted out. The usually solo MC was spitting out lengthy rhymes, backed up by a couple of guys from the Downsyde crew. This WA local got everyone amped, ensuring hands were up in the air bopping and waving in time to the beats. It was definitely a highlight of the day – needless to say there was no lack of excitement when Jimmy Rickard was played as the last song.

Yet another style to throw in the mix, Tame Impala gave us an epic display of fresh young talent with a twist of vintage influence. Playing some of their latest tunes such as Blue Boy cover Remember Me and Sundown Syndrome, there was plenty of singing along from the crowd. This tight three-piece is just as impressive live as on record, a sign that the constant touring has done them good.

It was great to see The Mess Hall joining the line-up in Canberra. Their two-man dirty rock sound won the crowd over, with songs from new album For The Birds getting an airing. You had to feel a little sorry for them, though, as someone obviously forgot to warn them to wear suitable attire for the heat. Regardless, they just gave it their all as performers and let the sweat run down.

New Zealand’s Cut Off Your Hands and Aussie hardcore lads Parkway Drive were due to play at the same time. Most people congregated to the front of the Triple J stage to bust out with Parkway. They put in a very strong performance, while still seeming a little relaxed for a hardcore band. Vocally it was very impressive, but the guys didn’t look as though they were having as much fun as the people down below. As long as the crowd is happy, though, that’s all that matters.

Midnight Juggernauts led the charge into the night, with lights flashing and smoke streaming from the stage. Having played so many festivals, they were in polished form; playing a tailored set-list from Dystopia and forthcoming second album This New Technology.

Having got all riled up, most people made their way back to the Triple J stage for one of this year’s most popular bands, Karnivool. Some people in the pit were overheard saying they’d come just to see them. It was time to break out of relaxed mode and start jumping around, with the band bringing a powerful presence to the festival. In the midst of a triumphant national tour, Karnivool gave songs from Themata and Sound Awake new life onstage.

By this stage the sun had well and truly made its way behind the hills and the cans were missing the bins. There were two more acts to see – both playing at the same time. After the Fall put in a rip-roaring set, but Hilltop Hoods stole the limelight.

Always out to make a good impression, the Hoods were on-form, handling the mood just right. Throwing in all the festival hits alongside selections from latest album State Of The Art, the guys couldn’t even talk without everyone going wild. The Hoods eventually disappeared from the stage, but the crowd’s roars demanded an encore. They re-appeared with their backs turned to the audience, wearing black-hooded jackets that flashed the words – œHill-Toppa’ in fluorescent lights. It was a special touch in a memorable closer.

Once the shows were done, people made their way onto the free buses back to the city. A very full on day for which the organisers would be proud. Next year, we can only hope for bigger and better, but Trackside 2009 was a huge success.