17 March 2024 – Melbourne Pavilion, Melbourne – words by Luci Scott – pictures by Nicole Smith-Walker
Picture this: a Sunday afternoon at Melbourne Pavilion, where the air is thick with anticipation and the promise of an afternoon filled with friends, great music and even better memories.
Welcome to the inaugural New Bloom Fest, where pop punk reigns supreme and good vibes are in abundance. With headliners like Citizen and Movements leading the charge, it’s the kind of day you wouldn’t want to miss for the world. So, buckle up and get ready for a wild ride as I take you through the highs and highs of this unforgettable festival experience.
The party kicked off with Post Heaven, and boy, did they set the bar high! Yasmin’s vocals had the crowd hooked from the get-go, drawing in a massive crowd even though it was still early in the day. They had this infectious energy that just made you want to jump around and sing along, setting the perfect vibe for what was to come.
L-R – Post Heaven – Armlock – New Bloom Fest Melbourne – photos by Nicole Smith-Walker
Next up was Armlock, bringing those laid-back vibes that you just can’t help but groove to. They had this cool factor that made you feel like you were chilling with friends in your backyard, except, you know, with a killer soundtrack. Their tunes kept the energy flowing and the good times rolling.
Better Half took things up a notch with their electrifying performance. Chris was like a fireball on stage, commanding the crowd’s attention with every note. I’ll admit, I hadn’t heard much about them before, but now they’re definitely on my radar. Their set was a total knockout, and I’m already itching to hear more from them.
L-R Better Half – AWOL – New Bloom Fest Melbourne – photos by Nicole Smith-Walker
AWOL came in hot with their heavy-hitting sound, and the crowd went absolutely wild. I’m talking mosh pits, crowd surfing—the works. They had this raw energy that just pumped you up, and you couldn’t help but get swept away by the madness. Definitely a highlight of the day.
Softcult brought a different vibe to the mix, and it was seriously refreshing. Mercedes had this captivating presence that drew you in, and their music had this dreamy quality that was impossible to resist. They may be a duo, but they packed a punch that left everyone wanting more.
Touché Amoré took the stage by storm, and it was pure chaos—in the best way possible. They were like a whirlwind of energy, tearing up the stage and leaving nothing but pure adrenaline in their wake. It was one of those performances that you just couldn’t tear your eyes away from. Their promise of coming back to Australia within a few years left everyone immensely happy.
L-R Softcult – Movements – New Bloom Fest Melbourne – photos by Nicole Smith-Walker
When frontman Patrick Miranda fell ill, it could have spelled disaster for Movements’ set at New Bloom Fest. But instead of throwing in the towel, they rose to the occasion with an epic comeback. Crust Young, stepping into Patrick’s shoes, didn’t just fill the gap—he owned the stage like a seasoned pro. His energy was infectious, injecting new life into every chord and lyric. The crowd, initially bummed about Patrick’s absence, quickly got swept up in the whirlwind of emotion that Movements brought.
Crust’s stage presence was off the charts; seriously, this guy needs his own band to front ASAP. From the haunting melodies of ‘Daylily’ to the cathartic release of ‘Third Degree’ each song hit like a punch to the gut, leaving us breathless and wanting more. Movements didn’t just overcome adversity; they thrived in it, proving that sometimes the best performances are born from the most unexpected challenges.
And then, finally, the moment we’d all been waiting for: Citizen taking center stage. As the lights dimmed and the first chords reverberated through the venue, it was like a collective surge of energy rippled through the crowd. From the moment they stepped on stage, it was like flipping a switch—the whole place erupted into chaos, in the best possible way. Citizen had this magnetic energy that just pulled you in, and every song was like an anthem that had the whole crowd singing along at the top of their lungs. ‘If You’re Lonely’ was an absolute standout for the first half of their set, with its infectious melody and relatable lyrics hitting home for everyone in the audience.
Citizen – New Bloom Fest Melbourne – photos by Nicole Smith-Walker
But it was when they played ‘The Night I Drove Alone’ that things really hit a different level. Tears were shed, hugs were shared, and for those few minutes, it felt like time stood still. The raw emotion in Mat’s voice and the haunting melody struck a chord with every single person in the venue, reminding us that even in our darkest moments, we’re never truly alone.
Citizen’s set wasn’t just a performance; it was a full-blown emotional rollercoaster, leaving us buzzing with adrenaline and feeling every single emotion under the sun. As the final chords faded into the night, we were left with a lingering sense of euphoria, knowing that we’d just witnessed something truly special.
All in all, New Bloom Fest was an absolute blast. From the killer lineup to the epic vibes, it was everything you could ask for in a pop punk festival. The venue was on point, the music was pumping, and the energy was off the charts. Here’s hoping they keep the tradition alive for years to come, because this is one festival you definitely don’t want to miss out on.
