Summadayze @ Rymill Park,Adelaide (01/01/11)

Mon 3rd Jan, 2011 in Gig Reviews

Whilst most people were probably still in bed recovering from the previous night’s new years eve festivities, the party was still going on at Summadayze the next day. With a mixture of hip hop, dance and electro-pop on offer, it proved to be the place to be on New Years Day in Adelaide. As I made my first steps into Rymill Park, I didn’t get far before being given a free V energy shot. A fitting starter to the day’s forthcoming proceedings and a nice ‘pick me up’ to those who had partied hard the night before. The set up of the various stages was fairly easy to navigate, with each stage hosting an array of performers of different musical genres and styles. I started out at the HQ DJ tower with some Flight Facilities then moseyed on down to the Groove stage which became an overall favourite of mine. The crowds weren’t too huge at this point but when Tinie Tempah graced the stage, the once sparsely dispersed crowd, had now congregated in anticipation for this British artist. Starting out with a DJ set, he played a few well known tracks but I much more enjoyed his own performance. Engaging with the audience constantly, he certainly got the crowd going, despite the early set time.

As lunch time approached, the attendance slowly grew. Whilst heaving down some hot chips I listened to some Riva Starr who was playing on the main Summadayze stage, to which people seemed to enjoy, dancing along to the ever infectious beat. After lunch was consumed, I made my way back down to the Groove stage. I was met by Promoe, a Swedish hip hop group which were quite enjoyable with their slightly political tone to their music. Up next was Horrorshow who I had heard nothing but good things about. They were a stand out for me. I had never really liked hip hop until now. The raw performance and humbleness was quite amazing. I formed a new found appreciation for hip hop after being a cynic for some time. One of my favourite songs was Walk You Home, with its ever so soulful beat. The live experience of it I think help contribute to its overall appeal as well. Horrorshow’s album is now on my ‘to buy’ list.

Up next was the international DJ sensation, Mr. David Guetta. Back down at the Summadayze stage a massive crowd had spontaneously spawned. It was epic. However, much speculation had occurred prior as to whether he would actually be ‘live’ or not. But to many people’s delight and surprise he entered the stage and began his set. His own mixes interspersed with radio hits like Sexy Bitch and Like a G6 were very well received. We moved on to experience some Loot ‘n’ Plunder which intrigued me with its remixes of Hilltop Hoods and Ou Est Le Swimming Pool. On the Almost Famous stage, Reelax was mixing it up with some Temper Trap mixes of Love Lost and Sweet Disposition, which were not totally unbearable to listen to.

As a cool change hit, the uber cool electro-indie-pop group Miami Horror hit the main stage. They were a refreshing change, being the only ‘band’ playing with actual guitars. Whilst the crowd wasn’t huge, the high energy band didn’t let up, with the lead singer at one point deciding that climbing up the scaffolding next to the stage was a brilliant idea. Although visually stunning and overall hilarious, it was a tad worrying. Nevertheless it sure was a highlight. Favourite Miami Horror tunes included Sometimes and their new single Holidays, which was an obvious crowd fave.

As the evening loomed, the ever increasing anticipation for the newly added headline act was mounting. Boys Noize filled in some time with some remixes of AC/DC and Michael Jackson, amongst others. As the crowed formed, N.E.R.D. launched straight into their set. Pharrell Williams was charismatic as ever, albeit slightly cheesy perhaps. The crowd was lapping it up, with their catchy beats and lyrics. Dancing was a must with people dancing everywhere, in their own separate groups or with the crowd in front of the stage. Noticeable favourites were She Wants to Move, Hot ‘n’ Fun, Rockstar and the set closer Lapdance (my personal favourite). Although I felt slightly embarrassed that I had remembered the lyrics, but at the same time I didn’t care. The atmosphere was electric as they brought the crowd to their feet. Quite literally actually as Pharrell (mid way through Lapdance) asked the crowd to squat, yes that’s right. Then as he launched back into the song the crowd rose up. It was quite a sight.

Overall, it was a festival that opened my eyes up to a whole different genre of music that I had previously not really appreciated enough. Summadayze 2011 was an awesome way to start the New Year off on a musical high.