Big Day Out 2013

Photo Credits: Tamara Haines & David Cruikshank

As the title suggests, the Big Day Out usually offers a big day out for fans of the alternative music scene, and this year was no exception.

AVDJ Sampology cranked the bass through some upbeat party mixes, perfectly co-ordinated with screens of cartoons, movie clips and television icons and was a great start to the day.

Local eateries were on show at ‘Chow-Town’ including ‘Grace the Establishment’ and ‘Veggie Velo’. I opted for a Gado Gado from Simon Bryant’s Dirt(y). At $12 this fresh and tasty treat well and truly kicked the butt of all the greasy overpriced rubbish I have suffered at past Big Day Outs.

Aussie alternative veterans, Grinspoon took us back to a place and time with classics like ‘Lost Control’ and ‘Ready 1’. Donning a patterned short-sleeved shirt, Phil Jamieson indulged fans with DCx3, leaving us die-hards utterly satisfied.

Admittedly, I’m not a big fan, but Band of Horses seemed to get lost in the size of the arena. While perhaps a great soundtrack for having a drink, the band failed to capture my attention.

In stark contrast, Vampire Weekend immediately mesmerised the crowd, with their funky, sweet, drum driven calypso adventurism. Tracks like ‘Holiday’ and ‘Horchata’ made for a boppy sing a long that filled many a hipster heart with joy.

As a Community fan first and foremost, I was shocked to see Donald Glover as a hip hop badass with a loyal following chanting his rhymes. While I can’t say his music would make my Spotify playlist, Childish Gambino was a compelling performer who got the crowd moving.

Clad in a yellow ‘shorts suit,’ Karen O of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs immediately took command of the stage. Her power behind the microphone was simply breathtaking, and with such tunes as ‘Heads will Roll’ practically arousing.

The Killers pumped out their radio staple tunes. While they did a solid job it wasn’t too difficult to leave for greener pastures.

Under a sea of strobe lights, Crystal Castles filled the Boiler Room with hypnotic beats. The fearless Alice Glass strode ‘on to’ the crowd, supported by her tribe of enthralled worshippers. These two are true artists, creating a world of electro sounds where you can easily lose yourself.

To round the day off, The Bloody Beetroots absolutely killed it with high energy sounds delivered by this venom mask wearing crew.

This year’s Big Day Out more than exceeded my high expectations. The drink lines were short, the food delicious and the music sublime. Each year I say ‘this year will be my last’ however, if this festival continues to deliver in this fashion, I think I’ll be going forever.