Returning to the mist-filled hills of Landcruiser Park is always a pleasure. An hour away from civilization, the eucalypt-filled 4WD and camping park has become home to one of Queensland's largest electronic gatherings, attracting dreadlocks and audiophiles alike to what I could only describe as a giant — and, in this case, wet — outdoor rave party.
The Earth Frequency organisers describe the festival as ‘not just a party, but a gathering of many different tribes and a weekend of connection, intention and inspiration’. It’s an apt description. Outside of the oodles of new age hippies, there’s a wide demographic of party people, from weathered old musicians to the small gangs of children that run amok among the market stalls. Not to mention the burgeoning ‘onesie’ wearers that like to get down in outfits ranging from dinosaurs to unicorns.
This year began with forecasts of a weekend long storm, which didn't bode well for the bass driven antics of our tribes people. Saturday was where the real fun began. After an opening ceremony and fire show, Hermitude kicked off the weekend, stepping out from behind their decks to jam with the audience on a beatpad and keytar. While they definitely got feet moving with their excellent showmanship and pop hooks, the headliners couldn't quite tip the audience into that state of mindless rave. Luckily the technical squelch of electronic mainstay Spoonbill could, followed by Love and Light, who turned the dancefloor into veritable chaos with their obscenely chunky, glitched-up bass.
After partying through the night and day, Sunday saw the quick rising Opiuo delight the crowd with his lowtempo funk and a glistening new track, while SPL shook the ground with some highly dynamic, hip hop infused bass beat splendour.
On Monday, the rain came. Hair got wet, feet got dirty, and those who remained got their squelch on in a smile filled dancefloor — the laidback funk of Jpod and Sunmonx closing up another weekend of incredible music, art and people.
Visit Scenestr to see photos from Earth Frequency