Newcastle Foreshore
Saturday October 26, 2013 :
Take 10,000 music fans, mix in the hot sun, add a scenic venue and some of Australia and the world’s talent and you have melted into Fat as Butter 2013. Sure there were dogs, police, drug busts and the odd punch up but let’s talk about the real deal for the day – fun and music. This day in any other words is a marathon. Three stages, over 30 acts and tastes to cater for even the fussiest palate. The grounds were full of teenagers enjoying a real deal day out.
The day started early with Newcastle outfit Maids taking the main stage. This band won triple J’s unearthed competition, led by the energetic Sean Cook on drums and lead vocals this band will go places.
Next I managed to get across to the Butter Stage to catch Youth Rockin the Black Dog winner, James Osborne, whose brief stage appearance confirmed he is destined for better and bigger things. Osborne already has a strong fan base and no doubt the release of an album in the future will see his career kick off.
A quick trip back to the Fat Stage saw the day come alive with The Holidays taking the stage. This three piece band from Sydney lead by front man Simon Jones, the brief set took the audience on a tour of their 2010 album Post Paradise and their three EP’s, The Holidays, When The Ship Goes Down and Golden Sky. Personal highlight for me ‘2 Days’ ‘Broken Bones’.
Cosmo Jarvis from the UK was next on the bill. This multi-talented artist did not disappoint giving the growing audience a brief tour into his life. Featured albums were Is The World Strange or Am I Strange and the 2012 release Think Bigger. Having a back catalogue of four albums, there were a lot of choices. This artist is definitely worth a look.
Next up were British India. After nine years in the Australian spotlight, this band is a polished outfit. Fresh from supporting Fall Out Boy, the guys took the stage with gusto throwing the audience into a frenzy with a well picked selection of old and new. Not unlike artists before them, British India arrive with an impressive catalogue and their not ashamed to play it. Personal favourites were ‘Summer Forgive Me’ and ‘Vanilla’.
Bluejuice – “pumped” “loud” and “adrenalin soaked” are some words I would use to call this band. Lead by the showman at the front, the microphone swinging, drink throwing Jake Stone, he took the audience to another level. No doubt this band and man have a stage presence. With three studio albums under their belt, this “punkhop” act from Sydney raced through a lot in their 50 minute set. Personal favourites, ‘On My Own’, ‘The Recession’ and ‘SOS’ – a truly powerful and entertaining live act.
The Rubens, this four piece band hailing from Menangle in New South Wales saw the three Margin brothers take the stage together. The band performed songs from their debut album and you get the feeling a second album will soon be on its way. Personal favourites ‘Lay It Down’ and ‘My Gun’.
Having heard rumours about Mickey Avalon, I was determined to see him and what a visual show it was. The act complete with a stripper which had every juniors eyes glued to the front for the entire show. Whilst visually it was entertaining, the music was great to. Avalon is an obvious talent on the dance music circuit.
It is hard to believe Matt Corby is only 23 years of age. The lyrically “raw” artist shows maturity and life experience way beyond his years. The set was crisp and powerful. Corby has a legion of fans and they follow him and his music, hanging on every word. For me Corby was the highlight of the day – he has won yet another fan. Obvious highlights for me were ‘Resolution’ and ‘Made of Stone’. This guy has an amazing future ahead of him in the industry.
Lead by Dave Hosking on guitar and lead vocals, Boy & Bear continued the mellow theme of the day. This band is extremely easy to listen to, switching between tracks from their two albums, the multi awarded Moonline, and the new album Harlequin Dream, these guys are a quality outfit. Fans went wild when the band played ‘Feeding Line’ but there were so many quality tracks.
Every time Bliss n Eso play in Newcastle, it’s something special. Drawing tracks from five studio albums, the duo were an instant success. The main focus of the evening was the new album Circus In The Sky featuring songs ‘Reservoir Dogs’ and the appropriate ‘Act Your Age’. After months in America, welcome home boys.
Hailing from Geneva, New York, Gym Class Heroes were assigned to close the day. Lead by lead singer Travis McCoy, it was obvious from the start this band were here to play and play they did. With five albums and a new one underway, the audience responded to the commands of McCoy. Then as quick as it started, it ended.
Overall a great day. Forget the busts and arrests, they make up such a small part of a well run festival that truly is a credit to the organisers. To all parents out there scared to let their teenagers go, take a risk. All I really saw was smiles and teenagers doing what they should be doing in life – having fun with their friends.
Reviewer and Photographer: David Jackson
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