The sky is grey over Fortitude Valley and the humidity is thick. Heat is radiating off the pavement and the three drinks tents are never anything but packed.
Click here for photos from Valley Fiesta.
It’s a late Friday afternoon and the annual Valley Fiesta is in full swing. A DJ heavy line-up on Friday sets the mood for the festival with vivacious energy and an infectious enthusiasm for the weekend ahead takes hold. The Gatling Gun and Young Franco are particular highlights with their ability to get the crowd hyped and buzzing with cool, calculated ease.
Saturday afternoon starts with The Cairos playing under a sizzling sun. It’s hard rock for the indie generation, with a kick drum that vibrates in your chest and guitar solos that rattle your retinas. Their set is youthful and energetic and leaves the crowd smiling.
Andy Bull very nearly didn’t make it to Valley Fiesta, and he’s missing a band member. Neither setback seems to have any impact on his set, however. as it’s quite possibly the best performance of the Saturday bill. Weaving between new and old material, his incredible falsetto is in fine form leaving me with goosebumps in the warm summer air. Current single, ‘Baby I Am Nobody Now’, has the crowd so hyped that when he finishes his set with a raucous ‘Keep On Running’ everyone goes a little bit crazy.
The unrelenting rain cut Saturday’s line-up short, however Architecture In Helsinki performed a spectacular a capella version of their latest single, ‘Dream A Little Crazy’. Dressed in fluorescent colours and grinning the whole time, they managed to lift the spirits of everyone around them; it was a fantastic finish.
After more persistent rain Sunday, Cub Sport finally took the stage to close out Valley Fiesta for the year. With big build-ups to catchy choruses, their early Arcade Fire-esque sounding indie pop goes down an absolute treat with groups of teenagers and families alike.
Despite the always-unpredictable Brisbane summer weather, Valley Fiesta was once again a highlight of the local musical calendar.
Click here for more photos from Valley Fiesta.
