I came away from Golden Plains thinking how lucky we all are to have a festival of this calibre still running, with no signs of slowing down.
Plains and its older sister festival Meredith offers a slice of another world for a few days, removed from the hustle bustle & problems of modern life – something in that country air is so special. Filled with tents, camper vans, couches, costumes, doof sticks and a stellar lineup the Sup’ looked superb living up to ’The Ghost Blessing’ written for the inaugural Golden Plains in 2007 “a multi-dimensional musical portal where invention, inspiration and imagination converge… with you at its centre”.
Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
Held on the Nolan Family Farm on Wadawurrung Country, Plains XVII saw lines into the festival on Saturday morning crawl in at a snails pace, with the fest being toted at the ‘hottest ticket’ in Victoria over the labour day long weekend, leaving some wishing and posting in online forums looking for some kind of miracle ticket to come their way.
Saturday kicked off with the scorching sun belting down on punters, making it a challenge to set up camp. However, the afternoon kicked off with the Smoking Ceremony and Welcome to Country setting the scene for what was to come.
Early starter out of the gate was Mulga Bore Hard Rock a six-piece band hailing from Central Australia, the band consists of Brothers and Cousins and they dialled their amps past 11 for the lucky folks in the amphitheater. Followed by Naarm’s Wet Kiss their electrifying and primal set of arty punky goodness filling our hearts.
After a little trip to Sunset Strip in the afternoon, I found myself witnessing one of the most beautiful sunsets of my life (and I have photo evidence – shown above) as the sun went down on the was sent off with applause, the evening cool change soothed our wearying sun stricken bodies.The evening found Bonny Light Horseman as the golden sky faded to sweet folk sounds with heart-wrenching melodies of love and loss and blessing the mess that is life. As the night progressed the programming of the festival rivalled that of the world’s most prestigious Jazz/Funk festivals with the bop essence from the Sun Ra Arkestra and yes they tore the roof of the Sup’ (if it had one). Their horn section was to die for melting the minds of everyone from the couches to the camps I am sure. Also did I mention polyrhythms!!?? Absolute masters of their craft.
When Gamilaraay singer-songwriter Thelma Plum stepped on to the stage, it’s clear: the Queen of the Sup is here! Her 2024 album I’m Sorry, Now Say It Back comes alive in a whole new way during her live performance. Plum has the crowd completely captivated with Nobody’s Baby standing out as a highlight, though every moment of the set was simply incredible.
Saturday night provided the goods with a stunning show from the one and only Osees or The Oh Sees, The Ohsees, Thee Oh Sees or simply just Oh Sees Whatever John Dwyer wants it to be called, I don’t mind just as long as the rock never stops. Double drummers, face-melting million-dollar riffs, synth mayhem to the max and one of the tightest rock bands the world over – Osees demanded your attention from start to finish from psychedelic doom to straight up hardcore, John Dwyer made everyone in the Sup’ his for an hour.
Following Osees saw the first of the Irish exports Hip/Hop trio Kneecap. Their presence was explosive and defiant as they bounced between their native Gaeilge and English their music a means to preserve their Irish identity and keep the language alive. The trio demanded the stage lights be dimmed to the point where only their iconic balaclava projection is visible, with videos peaking through the eye holes behind them as they went all in. Their 45 minute set had all hooked as they egged on the crowd to open up the pit, rallying for Palestine and their legendary “Maggie’s in a box, in a box” chant.
Waking up on Sunday the sweltering heat had in-fact not died down. However, we were blessed with a bit more cloud cover. Australian homegrown talent were the highlights of my Sunday, one being the incomparable singer-songwriter Grace Cummings who was absolutely incredible on day two. Her voice! Need I say more? Multiple moments during the set gave me goosebumps with her alternative pop stylings. Another long-time favourite of mine; R.M.F.C. (AKA Rock Music Fan Club or otherwise known as Realise My Full Capacity) they’re an energetic dizzying jangle garage outfit, early in the morning no less. Nothing was stopping them, Buz and the gang were a force to be reckoned with!
Other highlights came from Hermanos Gutiérrez “Two brothers, one trip” as the guide book said and they did not disappoint! They sit somewhere between Western and Latin American, all it took to make even the seated groove was some guitar, lap steel and it was an instrumental delight.
The lovers, shakers and movers who dig sweet soul music were in luck as Durand Jones & The Indications took the stage. Tight rhythms, enchanting melodies and soul power that had the crowd captivated for the whole set. It even had people seated on their couches having a groove.
PJ Harvey’s set was preceded by a 15-minute silence, which naturally extended to 30 minutes as a light thunderstorm rolled in, accompanied by flashes of lightning and gentle rain as if PJ herself had a word with the weather goddess and organised it for her set. With the backdrop of the moody sky and the silence the Supernatural Theatre was ready. Harvey took to the stage, her presence as striking as the weather, standing still yet exuding a quiet yet undeniable authority. She showcased material from her 2023 LP I Inside the Old Year Dying an introspective work inspired by the woodlands and folklore of her hometown in Dorset. The new tracks, rich with atmospheric and poetic storytelling, seamlessly blended with classic hits, satisfying both long-time devotees and newcomers alike.
Now for the second Irish export of the weekend, when you asked anyone beforehand who they were keen to see, one name frequently came up: Fontaines D.C. from the Emerald Isle to our very own Golden Plains, the Irish post-punk band didn’t disappoint with people walking away with the word ‘biblical’ on their lips. Their performance was driven by their 2024 LP Romance, with lead vocalist Grian Chatten hunched over the microphone. As one of the world’s most prominent bands, their popularity continues to soar, with a sold-out show for 45,000 fans in London later this year. Catching them in such an intimate venue felt like one of the closest experiences you’ll have before they continue to rise to even greater heights.
That’s it folks, a wonderful time was had by all I’m sure. To put it plainly It felt like a meeting and melding of all that I love about going to see live music, it felt like it was a place for everyone young and old, raver and rocker, old and new. I never wanted it to end but as we know all good things…
Oh shout out to my favourite ‘Doof Stick’ it was a very intricate oldschool telly with the rage logo and a see-through screen, extra points for falling in-line with aunty’s rules of no bigger than a head of cauliflower.
until Plains XVIII….
