Groovin The Moo @ AlburyRacecourse, Albury (25/11/06)

Wed 6th Dec, 2006 in Gig Reviews

Despite temperatures topping 35 degrees, festival-goers made the most of Groovin’ The Moo at its stop in Albury on November 25. The set-up at the Albury Racecourse proved so popular among the 4000 ticket holders that organisers are planning on returning next year.

Holding two stages with minimal intervals kept the crowd’s attention from opening act Little Man to hip-hop act the Hilltop Hoods. Wodonga’s Little Man was added to the line up on Thursday night after winning the Sodens Hotel band competition. The four-piece beat more than a dozen other acts from as far as Wagga Wagga for the chance to play the opening half hour set. It was the band’s biggest gig to date, but that didn’t seem to bother them with guitarist Scott Shirley filling front and centre with his impeccable guitar solos and his brother, Brent, demanding attention with his deep vocals.

Next up was Wagga Wagga’s hip hop act E.E.S. Since winning Triple J’s first online Unearthed competition three months ago, MC Kris-Bo and MC Shelly having grown their fan base.

Border band Star Assassin brought many of the locals through the gate to hear some of their favourite tunes including Beautiful World, Kick It and Fly Away. They also showcased new tracks from their forthcoming EP due out in February next year.

Punksters Trial Kennedy were impressive even from the back of the grand stand to stay out of the heat, while The Audreys, in my opinion, are better to be heard (on the radio) and not seen (live).

From the moment True Live came on stage, the crowd was bouncing. The guys have a similar stage show to The Cat Empire and it went well on this hot sunny day.

I was hanging out to see The Exploders, all the way from Lake Bolac, but they seemed ordinary, lacking their usual energy and quick wit.

Having missed The Fumes, the anticipation to hear Youth Group play the famed OC song, Forever Young, live had heightened. As expected it was added towards the end of their set and it started out alright but no one told them they could put an annoying guitar solo in the middle.

Veterans You Am I didn’t disappoint and they were the stand out among the headliners including John Butler Trio and the Hilltop Hoods. Frontman Tim Rogers, who was dressed in work overalls, hurled abuse at a crowd member who threw a can at him, before ripping into a mega-riff as if punching him. But Berlin Chair was the high point of their set and it’s good to see the lads still include it.