Come Together Festival - DayTwo @ Luna Park, Sydney(13/06/10)

Thu 17th Jun, 2010 in Gig Reviews

Walking through the gaping mouth into Luna Park, I noticed a wise demographic around the park, from a group of teenage girls donned in Kisschasy shirts to older punters and some people probably unaware that there was a festival going on, walking around the park with their children.

A few minutes into Boy & Bear’s set, I was sold. Playing for the audience, Boy & Bear’s rich folk sound reminiscent of The Tallest Man on Earth and Devendra Banhart was one of the great surprises of the festival.

Calling All Cars could have been included on the first day’s punk-based line up. Playing semi-popular songs including Hold Hold Fire and Disconnect, the band engaged with the audience and presented one of the heavier and more unique sets of the day.

The Jezabels were one of my favorite acts when I saw them performing at Come Together 2008, however the band not only proved themselves to have maintained their position as a fantastic festival act, but played with a dramatic increase in their already engrossing stage presence.

Jonathan Boulet was faced with the task of following an amazing set from the Jezabels but playing through songs including hit, Community Service Announcement, Boulet easily won over punters and played a fantastic set.

Bertie Blackman played electronic influenced tunes which saw a highly receptive audience involved more so in the performance than many of the artists that had played before Blackman. I haven’t been a big fan of Kisschasy though the band’s skill, versatility and stage presence was clearly evident.

Melbourne-based act, British India played one of the best shows of the day, their intense Garage-rock style filling the venue and with songs like Safari, saw the crowd getting into one of the heavier performances of the day.

The final act in what had been an amazing and draining day was the immensely popular and experienced Grinspoon. A band that could have like few others, easily slotted onto either day’s line-ups, Grinspoon played through hits, new tracks and lesser known songs. Phil Jamieson as the bands enigmatic lead singer captured the audience as he blasted through tracks and by the end of the bands set, the audience was satisfied and few punters left the venue disappointed.

With a mix between a great line-up, location and a large selection of free rides, Come Together is one of the more unique festival’s in Sydney and its place as the quintessential festival for the Queen’s Birthday long weekend is well deserved.

Check out the photos from the gig here