In most circumstances, waking up early, after camping in a queue, to then re-enter another queue may be a painstaking, dreaded experience. But when it gains entrance to Meredith, and prime position mind you, it’s an experience that couldn’t be more looked forward to.
In 2016 Meredith returns for the 26th year, and brings with it the many traditions we’ve come to love; Pink Flamingo cocktails (even though they don’t actually taste that good), the boot, the gift, Sunday morning Tai Chi with Master Song and many more individual to the camp site or shared with the whole festival. A surprise tradition this year seemed to be the reign of puffer jackets and vests, something that’s very un-Meredith and I hope doesn’t return ever again.
Unfortunately missing Cable Ties, I arrived just in time to catch the opening number of The Sugarcanes’ set. A Melbourne band relatively new to the festival circuit, there was a massive crowd – especially as they were the second band up on stage. Vocally the band fit the Rnb soul, rock-infused genre they’re made a name for themselves. And throwing in a snippet of ‘Girls Just Wanna Have Fun’, well, for a bit of fun.
The Triffids were a slight let down, missing out on truly capturing the crowd with The Sup filled with conversation. Though I highlight did come from guest vocalist Gareth Liddiard – of which there were many others. Dungen however were a standout for many, the Swedes effortlessly gaining the crowd’s respect where otherwise mightn’t have quite mastered it. Kelela too was a triumph, confessing that four years ago she was working in a call centre. She worked through tracks ‘Bank Head’, ‘Rewind’, ‘A Message’ and more with her honey-toned vocals that made you wish it were a cocktail you could drink. Pink Flamingo take note. King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard perhaps one the boot for the weekend, whirling through their tracks seamlessly transitioning from song to song. Only breaking for a moment to tell the crowd to calm down so they could continue their set – of which security were at a loss. In ‘Rattlesnake’, Stu Mackenzie completely let loose, somehow playing at the same time as shaking his head and tongue in what can only be described as a reptilian like way.
Saturday morning and campers woke up to the sounds of the City of Ballarat Municipal Brass Band followed later on by Archie Roach – who let’s be honest, has won our hearts from the moment his name is on the bill. Badbadnotgood challenged the crowds ability to interpretive dance (it wasn’t pretty trust me) but won the festival award for flexibility and recreation on stage. Baroness brought the party, satisfying the prog-rock lover in me. From then, the Congos – while only one original member, Watty Burnett aka King Burnett, was there. It may not have been the experience we were hoping for at Meredith, but was still an experience none-the-less.
Peaches was always going to put on a show on Saturday night with her politically charged music touching on topics of gender, sexuality and society’s expectations. While the vocals may have just missed the mark of previous stints Peaches has had in Australia, the many costume changes, back-up dancers imitating sex moves and encouragement from the crowd (many women shirtless, shouts of sexual unity) made for a pretty one-of-a-kind experience and atmosphere. The highlight of the set was the build up we’d been waiting for: when Peaches jumped inside a giant inflatable condom to sing ‘Dick in the Air’. Jagwar Mar returned to The Sup following their performance in 2014, which by previous accounts was one of the most life-changing sets in Meredith history. While it mightn’t have been quite up to this level it was still damn good. Come Sunday morning the tents were slowing un-picked, folded and with it Meredith was farewelled for another year. Thanks Aunty M.
Top 5.
Jagwar Mar
Baroness
The Congos
Kelela
King Gizzard
Overheard: “The Smiths are only popular because of Charmed of course”
Reviewed by Amanda Sherring
