Kicking off my Bigsound 2016 experience on Wednesday at The New Globe with the lovely synth pop sounds of nostalgic band, Australia. Their music reminds me of being able to go back in time and witness some of the pop grooves from that era – smooth and mellow. Ecca Vandal brought her usual sass and groove to the party with her vibrant energy and edgy sound. At Rics Bar, Tigertown glitzed, glamed and glided through their set, definitely taking out best costumes of the festival.
The wonderful woman who stole the festival for me was Tash Sultana, with a massive line wrapped around the venue. People were being refused entry, and as I forced my way to the front I could tell instantly what all the fuss was about. This woman is easily the potential love child of Janis Joplin and Jeff Buckley. Phenomenal voice, unparalleled talent, absolutely electric crowd and easily one of the best acts I have ever seen live.
Gabriella Cohen soothed the audience at The Foundry with her sultry jazz and blues. It was awesome to see two front women both with mad guitar skills, definitely unique to the festival. Next up downstairs at the Elephant and Wheelbarrow was A.B Original, giving an epically energetic performance and having Dan Sultan join them at the end for their very powerful new track ‘January 26th’, a really cool performance and they had the place both packed out and rocking!
Verge Collection were up next sporting beautiful lead vocals, nice bright riffs and were really catchy with that classic indie rock sound. Verge Collection were a hidden gem to find during Bigsound. Their catchy vocals and hot guitar riffs had the crowd dancing for the entire set which was like all acts at Bigsound; short, but sweet.
These New South Whales definitely put on a show! The punk five-some, with their taped nipples, slicked backed hair and feedback drenched sound, brought real rock n roll back to Brisbane for Bigsound.
Sampa the Great followed, and was pure bliss. Armed with her beautiful voice and a creative mind, Sampa took the crowd on an electronic-driven adventure for a short 20 minute set, leaving her audience begging for an encore.
Next up were The Belligerents – who were amazing as always. Catchy riffs and lyrics, shredding guitar and energetic vibe, these guys were on fire and most definitely earned their place as the headliners of the night, Brisbane’s infamous Belligerents were a stand out for sure. Front man Lewis flirting with the audience as their sound technician attempts to get their vocals working. After much hassle and delay, the bands shoots into full swing playing an array of fan favourites. The highlight of the set being the boys new single ‘Caroline’, with Lewis jamming the primary school recorder back into existence.
This Bigsound 2016 really lived up to it’s name, bringing some of the biggest sounds and hottest up and coming acts right to the valleys doorstep. Cannot wait until next year!
Reviewers : Andy McLaren and Kirsty-Ann Nicholls