The Chemical Brothers at A Day on the Green was a sheer night of sonic alchemy.
The rolling hills of Mt Duneed Estate are stunning at the best of times. But add to that near perfect weather, a stunning sunset fading into dusk, thousands of electronic music fans dressed to the nines and the might of the Chemical Brothers providing the lights and soundtrack… well, boy oh boy, do you have yourself an evening for the ages in store.
In a mesmerising display of audiovisual prowess, The Chemical Brothers – AKA Tom Rowlands and Ed Simons – delivered a euphoric journey through their illustrious catalog at A Day on the Green on Saturday March 2 2024, taking over the grassy surrounds of the winery in Geelong. With a setlist that traversed their iconic hits and a soundscape perfectly formulated for a crowd who were literally embracing every note with open arms and the dance moves to boot. The electronic duo captivated the audience with their signature blend of beats, melodies, and visual spectacle that can only be described as mind meltingly rad.
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Kicking off the day when the sun was at its peak was James Holroyd, setting the stage for what was to come with his infectiously fun DJ set that filled the air between each of the shows sets. Australian DJ and producer Anna Lunoe was a treat, igniting the crowd with her dynamic mix of house and bass-heavy beats and massive grin. Lunoe’s infectious energy and infectious stage presence had the audience grooving along as they searched the grounds for the perfect viewing spot, setting the tone for the night ahead.
In a highly-anticipated appearance for the regional show, it was The Presets who truly set the stage alight with their high-energy DJ set, delivering a pulsating mix of dancefloor anthems and crowd-pleasers (we’re talking Nirvana and Rage Against The Machine) that had the entire venue bouncing.
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As the anticipation reached fever pitch and the sun began to set, The Chemical Brothers finally took to the stage for their only Victorian show of their tour.
The evening commenced with an electrifying rendition of “Go,” setting the tone for what was to be a night of relentless energy and pulsating rhythms. Seamlessly transitioning into “Do It Again / Get Yourself High,” the duo effortlessly merged their older classics with newer releases, showcasing their evolution over the years paired with bold visuals and a clear passion for what they do.
“MAH” and “No Reason” kept the momentum alive, with their infectious hooks and driving basslines commanding the crowd’s attention. The nostalgic rush of “Hey Boy Hey Girl” ignited a collective euphoria, transporting everyone back to the heyday of 90s electronic music.
As the night progressed, the Chemical Brothers delved into more experimental territory with tracks like “Eve of Destruction” and “Feels Like I Am Dreaming,” showcasing their versatility as artists. “Swoon” and “Temptation / Star Guitar” provided moments of euphoric release, with their anthemic melodies reverberating across the venue.
“Live Again” and “Got to Keep On” demonstrated the duo’s mastery of crafting infectious grooves, while “Wide Open” offered a poignant interlude with its haunting vocals and atmospheric soundscape.
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With the frenzied crowd brandishing glow sticks that illuminated the night with a kaleidoscope of colours, the latter half of the set saw The Chemical Brothers delving into their back catalogue with classics like “Escape Velocity / The Golden Path” and “Dig Your Own Hole / Get Up on It Like This,” much to the delight of the long-time fans scattered across the grounds.
“Free Yourself / Saturate / Believe” offered a hypnotic blend of sounds, showcasing the duo’s ability to push the boundaries of electronic music. As the night drew to a close, “Goodbye” provided a fittingly bittersweet conclusion, leaving the audience literally screaming for more.
The encore was nothing short of spectacular, with a medley of “Setting Sun / Elektrobank / For That Beautiful Feeling” serving as a sonic onslaught that left the crowd exhilarated and wanting more. “Chemical Beats,” “Galvanize / Leave Home,” and “Block Rockin’ Beats” closed out the night on a high note, with their infectious rhythms and truly anthemic melodies leaving a lasting impression on the sea of dance sweat soaked fans who had come along, seen, grooved, danced and conquered.
The Chemical Brothers delivered an electric performance at A Day on the Green, reaffirming their status as pioneers of electronic music (like that was ever in question!). With a visual and lighting production that was nothing short of spectacular, ( I was seeing dancing robots in my sleep) it was a night of sonic alchemy that will be remembered for years to come.
Bravo lads. Brave indeed!
