Rock
Elder Park
Friday 5 December


Rock is the order of this evening and you can get no more 'rock' than Geelong's finest, Magic Dirt. Opening proceedings before a still-building crowd, they proceeded to nail everyone to the floor with a typically intense, immensely powerful and energetic performance. Adalita Srsen remains a magnetic stage presence and is the essence of rock'n'roll, not to mention possessing one of the great voices in Australian rock. While we were reminded of just how many great songs with great hooks Magic Dirt have produced, it was actually some newer material (notably White Boy from the new album) along with more obscure older songs where the band really cut loose that captured my attention. Thunderous, almost stoner riffs and primal garage rock solos abound in a maelstrom of feedback.

Shihad made their intentions immediately very clear. They have always been an exhilarating live band and their songs took on a whole new dimension in this environment, becoming massive and vital rock anthems. Of course, in Jon Toogood they have a charismatic and hugely energetic frontman, but the whole band were in fine form and the crowd responded accordingly. Highlights of a blazing set full of big riffs and big attitude were the old favourites Run, My Mind's Sedate and an epic run through of The General Electric.

After a short interval Grinspoon took the stage to a rapturous reception. I have to say that I have always found it hard to get enthused by their very Australian yob rock (am I the only person who thinks they are the direct descendants of The Radiators?), but clearly I was in the minority as they were treated like conquering heroes. Once again, the highlights were definitely the older songs, in particular Chemical Heart and Lost Control. The latter is something that a bunch of morons and imbeciles clearly did as they pelted the stage with rubbish and harangued MC John Schaeffer at the end of Grinspoon's set. Wake up to yourselves, dickheads.

Unfortunately, many of the big crowd departed rather than stay and watch The Adrian Belew Power Trio close proceedings. More fools them, because they missed a rare opportunity to hear a unique and quite brilliant guitarist. The trio is rounded out by the extraordinary young brother and sister rhythm section of Julie (bass) and Eric (drums) Slick. The band is well-named as there is no shortage of power as well as an abundance of skill. The reduced crowd didn't phase them in the slightest as they went about the business of enjoying themselves and in the process delivering a great show. The siblings Slick locked into a groove and then away Belew went, effortlessly slipping between Seventies style heavy progressive rock, tripped-out free form jams and contemporary rock. Ultimately, this is what the festival should be about: an opportunity for artists to let loose, enjoy themselves and show just what they are capable of.

James McKenzie