LIVE: BIGSOUND hits all the right notes in 2024 -

2-6 September 2024 – Fortitude Valley Live Music Precinct – words by Charlotte Poynton and Cecilia Pattison-Levi

Monday 2 September 2024 – Destroy All Lines Showcase – Cecilia

After much wriggling and comments about ‘hardly fitting on the stage’, Late November, the Townsville band with 8 members occupied The Brightside stage with sound and action to kick off the Destroy All Lines Showcase at Big Sound 2024. It was a fantastic start. Late November is a very authentic rock group with a brass section. The music was big and the lyrics were heartfelt. They wasted no time and launched into great fun songs like ‘Birdbrain’ and ‘Wasted’. This band are the real deal with great control over the playing of their instruments and the singer had an amazing voice. They play The Brightside on 21 September and I will be catching that performance.
Belle Haven, the Melbourne rock band, have been touring and recording new material. They have released a new single ‘Fauxlove‘ and a new EP is to be released on 4 October 2024. If you like your rock with high energy and big guitar riffs then this band is worth a listen. I really liked their music when they slowed it down a little as there was better control of their songs and sound. There was a lot to like in this band’s set. They have a loyal following of fans and Spotify will be your friend here to check them out.
The Gold Coast band started off their set with a bang – all rock and no chat. Friends of Friends are a really good rock band with melody and harmony underpinning their songs and performance. It was a very strong set. Their drummer is just amazing and he keeps the timing and pace under control in lock step with their bassist. It allows the skilful guitarists and lead singer the freedom to do their thing. And, that thing is tight melodic rock music. They really have something going on in this band. Even the sound guys were dancing and partying. An outstanding short but impressive set.
The indie rock-punk outfit Bad Neighbour from Brisbane let loose on an energetic set. They have just released a new singles ‘Heart Pumps Blood’ and ‘The Middle’. They have just announced their debut album Millions will be released Friday 20 September. If you like your music loud, raw, with unrelenting energy then this local band are for you. Their sound is distinct but if you love your rock music blended with punk, and an emo feel, with songs that resonate on a personal level then get yourself along to one of their gigs. They are touring and they’ll launch their debut record at their Millions Album Tour across the East Coast through October and November.

Juno – BIGSOUND – Darcy Goss

Tuesday 3 September 2024 – Day 1 – Cecilia
Dust:
The Brightside kicked off night two with the Newcastle based band Dust. As I watched from them from the front, I was transported back to a feeling of watching The Church (way back in the day). The mix of punk ethos, trippy prog rock, classical angular rock riffs, throw in some jazz and harmonic melodies trying to escape and you were there. The Brightside quickly filled within about two minutes and it was standing room only to see these guys. It was a compelling and arresting performance. This band, if everything goes right, could be one of the country’s most singular and essential bands. Dust has curated a sound that is dark, introspective, and progressive.
Lucy Sugerman:
I first saw Lucy Sugerman perform at the age of 15 in Canberra. I was thrilled to be seeing her with a full band at Blute’s and it was a full house. Lucy was wonderful in delivering a beautiful dreamy pop set. Her voice has matured and her song writing has really developed. I really like her soul-stirring pop anthems, but it was her introspective songs that really shone and resonated with heartfelt lyrics. Lucy has a knack for confessional storytelling tied with assured pop hooks, aided by her youthful energy – it perpetuates her music, even in her most vulnerable moments. It was a lovely performance.
Bella MacKenzie:
Bella MacKenzie from Mackay – well what can I say but – Wow! Future superstar of the country genre. Both her sets at Big Sound were amazing – I went to see her twice to make sure I wasn’t dreaming. She is remarkable, talented and gorgeous. I do not know much about country music, but I think I just watched a future megastar in that genre. You know that ‘it’ people speak of – well she has ‘it’. With support from Jack McCormack and other country and rock musicians, this 19-year-old is ready to flex her musical wings. Her music is mostly country-pop with ballads thrown in and if ‘Wasted’ or ‘Wild Thing’ are samples then her music is sassy and fun. If country is your thing, then do not miss seeing Bella MacKenzie. Her debut EP ‘Wild Thing’ will be released on 22 November 2024. The sets were OMG moments!
Tiffi:
After a quick run, its back to The Brightside and into pop rock territory with tiffi. Tiffi’s songs were recommended to me by Spotify’s AI algorithm – I hate that AI thing as it seems to know me too well. But the recommendation was a good one, and I went along to listen to see if this Taiwanese-Australian indie pop singer-songwriter from Western Sydney who started releasing music online at the age of 13 was as good live as in her bedroom studio. And, it was! It was so good I went to see her twice – thanks Eclipse. The beauty of her musiclies within the details: great angsty lyrics, the swaying guitar riffs, her honest delivery with controlled vocals and her ability to transport you through her lyricism to the narratives she weaves. She was shy, giggly with that ‘yipee’ but she and her all female band delivered. This was great fun and the large audiences appreciated the sets.
Sly Withers:
This Perth band were amazing as the support for Stand Atlantic at the Fortitude Valley Music Hall. So, it was great that I was able to see Sly Withers again within the week. It was standing room only as the place was chockers with music fans wanting to see this band. They have an indie rock sound with poignant lyrics. Their melodic rock sound is based on two interweaving vocalists and strong guitar riffs. This set was a real treat. If you like your rock music honest and authentic, then have a listen to this band. Someone described their music as ‘feelsy’ – well – a song is only as good as its played – on guitar and the vocals. This band is all over it! Sly Withershave created something fresh and original from the indie rock sound with enough familiarity that will find a place in the ears of rock lovers.
Dear Sunday:
I wasn’t sure what to expect from Perth band Dear Sunday but I shouldn’t have been worried as they delivered a fun set packed with great tunes. The band took to the stage with Queen playing and you could tell that this was going to be fun and that they were going to take the piss. However, underneath the stories of the 26 hours to drive to get here, the ADHD and school teacher jokes – there is a very clever classic rock band here – with a very impressive grasp of rock music styles. They presented like an 80s pub rock band that could play anything and they did. It was marvellous! Their audience control with signs, engagement, a cover of ‘Teenage Dirtbag’ with audience participation (singing the girl bit) and the jump was just beautiful to watch. A lot to like from this band!
Alayna:
Well, I finished the evening with a very classy musician. Alayna Powley is a New Zealand-born musician who performed her first ever show in Australia and it was wonderful and soulful. Her voice was crystal clear, her song writing was immaculate and the delivery was simple and direct with voice, keyboard and guitar. She is also gorgeous in looks and personality. Alayna was picked by Rolling Stone in 2023 as a musical talent to watch. And, they got that right! She has been in the US working with the likes of Finneas Eilish and Sango to help develop her sound and singer-songwriter skills. Her music is slow-burning, intimate pop with a side of silky soul and jazz. Whatever the genre she is singing, it is Alayna’s delicate vocals that truly stand out, she is a real chanteuse. Her song ‘Tender’ states that softness is Alayna’s super power and it makes a beautiful statement and noise. Her songs are confessional and emotionally charged. Alayna was just brilliant! Joy and happiness! – Cecilia

Tuesday 3 September 2024 – Day 1 – Charlotte
Sonic Reducer:
Starting off my BIGSOUND adventure is Ngambri rising punk outfit, Sonic Reducer. Known for their balance of intensity and vulnerability, I’ve been vicariously enjoying live sets from this band through social media stories for the past year, waiting on bated breath to catch them live. I had high hopes for my first act of the festival, and they did not disappoint, taking my breath and my hearing away with ease. Cycling through their setlist with raw punk rock energy and getting the crowd moving more than anyone expected for a Tuesday at 7pm, Sonic Reducer shook the walls of Black Bear Lodge and made their mark as one of the most memorable acts of the whole 2024 festival.
Holly Hebe:
Naarm’s latest pop sweetheart, Holly Hebe, brought her a-game and whimsical dreamscape discography to the JBL Stage in the centre of the Valley this week. Drawing a massive crowd into the centre of the main Valley strip, Holly Hebe shared her weaknesses and worries with the crowd through her honest lyrics yet softened the emotional blow with a sugar-coated sonic shine. Wearing a hand-painted shirt and dangling hairclips, Holly Hebe has the image and sound of an indie pop star – I, for one, will be looking forward to one day saying “I saw her back when she was performing at BIGSOUND” after she takes over our Aussie scene.
Bella Mackenzie:
A country superstar that is soon to become a household name, Bella Mackenzie hails from up north but could easily be mistaken from a starlet off the stages of Nashville. At the young age of 19, Bella is already making waves with her new single ‘Wasted’, collaborating with international stars and capturing hearts with every performance. Bringing her charm and charisma to the stage, Bella Mackenzie had the audience tapping their toes and singing along whilst she cycled through absolute bops including ‘Cowboy’ and upcoming release, ‘Wild Thing’.
Tiffi:
If you don’t already know the name tiffi, you better get across the indie-pop icon in the making. With a bank of over 50 million streams and a catalogue of hits to her name, Gadigal’s tiffi captivated the growing crowd at The Brightside on the opening night of BIGSOUND. Exuding power and sass with her tracks that saw many singing along, tiffi was sure to remind the audience that she’s actually a lovely and wholesome person with her excitable introductions to each song. You’ll definitely want to be adding tiffi to your radar, especially as she gears up to release her next single, ‘Love of Your Life’, full of K-pop goodness and pure chart-topping magic.
Sly Withers:
Boorloo favourites Sly Withers are back gracing our stages this BIGSOUND, and their ever-faithful Meanjin fanbase packed out The Brightside, proving that they would never miss a show. Cycling through hits with an audience who echoed back their every word, Sly Withers got the crowd moving, showing that we can truly never get enough of their indie rock sound and lyrical charm. – Charlotte

Wednesday 4 September 2024 – Day 2 – Charlotte
Worm Girlz:
Absolute local favourites Worm Girlz took to the JBL Stage in Brunswick Street Mall as a showcase of JMC Academy alumni. With a bundle of unreleased tracks featuring expertly crafted choreography, every passerby stopped to join the worm farm. Audience members echoed actions whilst chorusing the words of their songs, creating one of the most wholesome atmospheres ever witnessed in this typically chaotic street. Sneaking in a Chappell Roan cover that saw the crowd dancing, Worm Girlz know how to hook their audience in and leave them asking for more!
Lottie McLeod:
A local favourite with a back pocket full of heartbreak anthems, Lottie McLeod is one i was sure to add to my BIGSOUND showcase. I’ve recently been hooked on her latest track, ‘Expire’, and it seemed like the rest of the room is too, with many swaying and singing along. Lottie McLeod’s raw storytelling and teenaged angst combine in the most magical way to create a discography full of unique stories yet universally shared emotions. Lottie is a rising indie-pop darling and is definitely cementing herself as one to watch at this year’s showcase.
Stocker:
An inescapable flurry of posters asking, “Have you seen this woman? Why not?” were what led me to Stocker’s set at Eclipse on Wednesday evening. I’d heard raving reviews of her performance on the previous evening and can happily endorse all praise Stocker has received. With a welcome to the “Liplockalypse”, Stocker captivated the crowd with her raw confidence and engaging performance demeanour. Echoing in the strains of local icon Mallrat, Stocker’s confessional anthems both excite and uplift the audience as she delivers an unforgettable performance. A particularly unique highlight of this set was Stocker commenting on feeling a bit parched after a song, which led to her bandmate spending the entire next song mixing a drink for her. If you’re on the search for a new iconic diva to champion, Stocker is your girl.
Hannah Brewer:
Hannah Brewer promised to fill The Brightside with plenty of sad songs during her set, and she did not disappoint. Taking to the Triple J Unearthed stage, Hannah Brewer shared songs of lust, loss, and all other coming of age troubles. With favourites from her EP Child of Divorce, including ‘Chill Girl’ and ‘The Pirate Song’, the crowd sang and danced along in a state of cathartic bliss, Hannah Brewer’s music acting as a release for all of the hidden emotions and silent thought – Charlotte

Wednesday 4 September 2024 – Day 2 – Cecilia
Charlie Pittman:
Day two of Big Sound 2024 kicked off with Sydney-based, British alternative self-taught pop singer, songwriter and musician, Charlie Pittman. Yes. The voice who has launched millions of TikTok streams and was runner up on The Voice Australia. He has just toured the UK and inked a deal with Island Records. I went along to Brunswick Mallto see what all the fuss was about. By the second song in his set, he was on a roll. And, if I was a record executive, I would have signed him on the spot. He is a pop prince with great songs, a smooth commercial sound with enough grunt in the music that will appeal to all age demographics. What’s not to love! Also, his Auslan interpreter was awesome.
Sesame Girl:
Sesame Girl from Wollongong are a band that are not afraid to throwback to that early 90s shoe-gaze indie-rock sound that kind of reminds me of Deadstar crossed with The Falling Joys. I saw them support MAY-A at the end of last year and have been following their progress. Their music is bright and fun, with wind-swept guitar melodies and hazy vocals. It’s a joy to listen to it. However, when a small technical glitch happens, they need do need better jokes – I am still thinking about that Neil Armstrong one – genius or dad joke? I really enjoyed Sesame Girl’s set and cannot wait for them to do a headline tour of the East Coast. So worth catching!
Lyric:
Lyric is a vibrant singer-songwriter from the Gold Coast. She has just toured with Griff and that performance was just magical. Her song writing is outstanding listen to ‘Wine Stain’, ‘Gravity’ and ‘Wild Fire’. She had just one performance slot at Big Sound and it was not to be missed. Lyric and her band were impressive with the four of them filling out the full sound of her musical vision. Lyric’s music is in the confessional songwriter pop style. Her music uses strong melodic structures, harmony and bridging linkages that underpin her narratives of love, loss, and relationship issues. Her new EP ‘Nostalgia’ is about to be released on 20 September. The track ‘Wild Fire’ has hit radio single all over it. It was a great set and the big crowd appreciated it.
Heleina Zara
I was instantly hooked by Heleina Zara and her lyric heavy songs with their great melodic and vocal harmonies the first time I saw her play live at The Princess Theatre in 2023. ‘Convenience Store’ is one of my favourite songs – it’s clever, complex, and truly emotionally crushing. Her song writing is so good and she is not afraid to use the English language and her ability to blend in beautiful imagery makes the heart glad: see ‘Alphabet Soup’ and‘Emergency Exit’. Her way around a catchy hook is also clever with her choruses being so well constructed. Her use of the pure-pop punch of guitars, drum beats and synths set up a listening friendly environment where she can bring the listener into her state of mind – so she can deliver the lyrical punch. Whether it’s a shitty date, a toxic relationship, to her new music ‘Hunting’ and ‘Cowboy’. Heleina Zara is ready for the spotlight.
MzUki
Melbourne based musician MzUki is bringing a unique voice to audiences. She is a striking presence on stage. She commands the space and has good audience control. Her sound is a blend of pop, funk, rap, electronica and R&B that creates a party vibe and she has an impactful and catchy sound. When MzUki sang, her voice was clear and strong. Her voice reminded me a bit of cross between Missy Elliot, Aaliyah, SZA with a dash of Candi Station, and her song ‘Mon Petit Pony’ gave me that vibe and it was a great dance track. I would like to see MzUki perform with a full band as I think that would be interesting to see how her voice would be transformed with other instruments. MzUki has a promising original voice.
Georgia Lines
New Zealand musician Georgia Lines was awarded Breakthrough Artist of the Year in 2022 and Best Pop Artist at the AMA awards in 2023. And, there was a reason for those wins, she is amazing! Georgia Lines has a lovely soulful, dreamlike voice and she and her band delivered a set of up-tempo and slow burn tracks with a distinctive piano driven feel-good sophisticated jazz inflective sound. She even serenaded the audience on the floor with us standing around her – just voice and guitar – it was so special. No studio tricks here. What you see is what you get – and it was astonishing! Her song writing style is deeply personal and borne out of grief, loss and pain. However, it’s not all earnest ballads, Georgia Lines does mix it up with ‘Trust’ turning out to be a funky dance number and ‘Say You Will’ being a blast So-Cal inspired pop. Georgia Lines has a sound and a style that’s extraordinary.
Velvet Trip
The name of this band tells you what you want to know – it’s a sonic Velvet Trip. The Sydney based band has a unique sound with jazz, funk, classical rock and psychedelic resonances all melding together. The synth sounds of the keyboard blending with the male/female vocals create a sonic layer that made people more relaxed. You could say this young band has strayed into prog-rock but it’s not. The music is more harmonic, hazy and spacey – like a more up to date Roxy Music. I enjoyed their set as it was refreshing.
JUNO
JUNO performed on Monday night at The Brightside, Wednesday night at Eclipse and Thursday night atBrunswick Street Mall. Their performances on the three different days were terrific. The performance at the Eclipse was probably my favourite. It was a fantastic set along with a big crowd in attendance. There were fans waving bleach bottles around the stage. It was a great moment. JUNO’s performance was fun, relaxed, the sound was great, vocals were terrific, and the venue just suited them. It was the perfect setting to let their more ‘dancey’ rock vibe out and it signalled fun times had entered the building. I love JUNO’s catchy rock tunes. They have the look and sound in their lead singer (Kahlia), the songs are starting to roll out (Sam/Kahlia) and add to that full sax sound (Ash) into the mix and JUNO is a joy to watch. They really have a unique sound. They have just released their new single ‘Bleach’ and JUNO are preparing to release a new EP in 2025.
Paige
New Zealand Aotearoa based pop singer-songwriter Paige Tapara was outstanding in her short set at Blute’s. She filled and stage and the venue with her big presence and manner. It was her last performance for Big Sound and it was 11:30PM or 1:30AM NZ time and she declared that ‘it was time to just let go’. And, she did! It was songs about fun times, dancing and that sad break-up song ‘I Hope You Know’ in the middle. Paige’s music is primarily pop with some heavy bass rumble with a dash of funk added. Her vocal style is restrained and natural with a melodic resonance and a certain naive quality. She performs with passion and humour (and sunglasses!). Her songs have real complexity and the beats underneath the dance orientated songs recalled for me a subtle influence from Prince – Cecilia.

Playlunch – BIGSOUND – Lachlan Douglas

Thursday 5 September 2024 – Day 3 – Charlotte
LOVELOVELOVE:
Kicking off my final day of BIGSOUND shenanigans was local Meanjin based LOVELOVELOVE, with a high energy performance that included unreleased tracks and a cheeky cover of ‘Sweet Caroline’. LOVELOVELOVE proved to have one of the most dedicated fanbases of any BIGSOUND showcasing artist, with one fan even baking a cake to share with the band. In a moment of band solidarity, they all took a bite onstage at once before continuing with their set, showing their commitment to both audience engagement and delivering an engaging performance. The vibes were high, the audience sing-along moments were on point, and LOVELOVELOVE will definitely be finishing BIGSOUND with a new legion of fans.
Noah Dillon:
Though I only managed to catch the first few songs of his set, it was undeniable that Walyalup land’s Noah Dillon had the entire packed-out room of The Outpost in the palm of his hand. The room was buzzing with pure excitement in the lead up to his performance, and this energy was amplified in abundance as Noah Dillon shared fan favourites and new tracks off his latest EP Soft.
JUNO:
Meanjin’s very own JUNO are currently on a world takeover mission, and their set at BIGSOUND is a defining moment for the pop duo. With the recent success of their track ‘i’m the man’, and their fresh release ‘bleach’ dominating my TikTok feed, JUNO have been an anticipated act at this festival. Jumping out onto the stage with glittery hair and peak 2000’s fashion, Kahlia from JUNO burst into fan favourites and unreleased tracks from an upcoming project. With a full band and impressive saxophone solos, JUNO’s set saw countless smiling faces and dancing audience members who had just discovered their next favourite band.
Alex the Astronaut:
With raw lyrical storytelling and personality that turns even the most mundane tale into a song you’ll have on repeat. Gadigal land’s Alex the Astronaut is in an era of self-growth and reinvention, undertaking study at NIDA and amping up excitement for their upcoming EP, Rage And All Its Friends. Starting us off with fan favourites including ‘Haircut’ and ‘Octopus’, Alex then treated the audience to the debut performance of several unreleased songs, sharing stories from their studies and science-related jokes in the midst. Though my bias might be coming to light here as a long-time fan, this was one of the most authentic and enjoyable sets of my entire BIGSOUND experience, taking away the flashy outfits and thoroughly planned choreography to draw emphasis to the personal stories shared through their songs.
Playlunch:
Naarm self-described “bogan funk” outfit Playlunch have been on my radar for a while, ever since their ‘Soupe Opera’ remix went crazy on TikTok. If you’ve ever wondered what your childhood afternoons of getting home from school and turning on ABC would sound like in a retro inspired track, look no further than Playlunch! Drawing a massive crowd into the centre of the Valley, Playlunch provided a slap in the face of Aussie nostalgia with hits including ‘No Hat No Play’ and ‘Hornbag’. There was not a single person in sight who was not swept up in the pure energy of this band, though I do wonder if any of these tracks made sense to any of our international BIGSOUND attendees!
Lucy Sugerman:
My passion for alt-pop brought me to Lucy Sugerman’s set at The Outpost, which introduced me to a musical world transcribed in glittery gel pens and adjourned with colourful band-aids covering the deepest wounds. Lucy Sugerman’s relatable charm and welcoming demeanour resonated immediately with her audience, the Ngambri based singer creating a space for everyone to cathartically heal from anything that once troubled them. Sharing some upcoming releases and a gorgeous cover of Crowded House’s ‘Better Be Home Soon’, Lucy Sugerman left audiences both in awe of her and yearning to be her friend.
Total Tommy:
If you’ve heard anything from me in the past few weeks, you’ve likely caught me rambling about how excited I am to finally catch Total Tommy at BIGSOUND. Though plagued with some technical difficulties that delayed the set, Total Tommy and her band played a flawless set to an adoring crowd at Wonderland. From her debut single, latest releases, and tracks from the freshly announced EP Bruises, Total Tommy’s raw rockstar energy made for the perfect closing performance for my first BIGSOUND – Charlotte.

Thursday 5 September 2024 – Day 3 – Charlotte
Sunny Luwe:
Sunny Luwe’s set at The Sound Garden was a delightful pure pop surprise. The indie pop Gold Coast musician made playing pure pop music look and seem easy (which it isn’t). Sunny Luwe – aka Dani Teveluwe – has a positive and optimistic spin on her music and this shines through her performance. Her set was charming. It was jangly guitars, controlled drums and a sweet voice that projected out a vibrant pop sound. The full sound of the band gave Sunny’s songs drive and enhanced their So-Cal vibe. This was pop music performed so well – right from the first chord. It was a sweet and engaging set.
Dizzy Days:
I must say I picked to see this band as I was intrigued by the name. I was not disappointed. Dizzy Days is an all-female band from Brisbane who sound check influences such as Dua Lipa and The Jungle Giants. Dance-pop music is the ‘new black’ with women musicians at the moment as it’s hyper, fun and dancey. Dizzy Days sound is pure pop. It was sexy, fun, female and unrepentant. A bit like TLDP but not so earnest and everyone was dressed in leopard print or shiny sparkly clothes. Their lighting was perfect, the band performance was awesome. Let the good times and disco ball roll! Dizzy Days write and play their own disco-dance pop anthems except when covering the Yeah Yeah Yeah’s ‘Heads Will Roll’. This band are a breath of fresh air; they are confident, brash and sexy and their performance is certain to have hooked new ears. I know I was and I am seeing them again on 27 September at the Outpost.
Ishan:
Ishan delivered a few catchy sets over the Big Sound 2024 week. He is proving through his live performances and single releases why he’s one to watch in the Australian indie-pop scene right now. Ishan is a Melbourne-based performer who has honed his skills and built a strong following off the back of acclaimed busking performances. I was entranced by his busking and have followed him since that first Brisbane debut gig at Teneriffe (thanks to Sarah McLeod as musical director for that event – she knows a good thing when she hears it). Ishan is a charming performer who radiates warmth and has a wonderful voice. His songs are insightful, funny and relatable. His command of the stage and the audience is excellent and they were entranced by his energetic performance and casual style. He released his debut EP, ‘The Cycle of Codependence’ in 2023 and new singles in 2024. He has earned a whopping 15 million views on Instagram and TikTok, and 5 million global streams to date. Catch him live before he is in stadiums.
Playlunch:
I stumbled on the band Playlunch and the crowd they drew at the stage in Brunswick Street Mall. It was huge! And, it was one of the most fun and funniest gigs I saw all week. Playlunch sure knows how to get a crowd riled up and dancing. The 7-member band’s musical skills were first class with the brass section being outstanding. They were dressed in kids sports gear (no labels) with bike helmets, sports ribbons pinned to their chests, sunscreen applied incorrectly, doing warm-up routines for the track with pool noodles?! ‘No Hat, No Play’ their new single was a constant refrain and references to school athletics carnivals and ‘if you don’t finish your work – it’s your lunchtime you’re wasting!’ The crowd were even split into houses. I was in Red – “Eddie Maguire is the house for me”. It was all too much fun about chucking sickies, getting pissed and random jokes about Bob, The Builder. The gig was musical dynamic and brilliantly executed! The Auslan interpreter was awesome again.
Stand Atlantic:
Sydney’s Stand Atlantic took the stage at The Brightside and captivated a packed crowd from the very first note. Their set concentrated of their new songs from their new album ‘Was Here’ for this one-off showcase gig. Personally, I think Stand Atlantic are one the best live bands in Australia and I never miss them if they are playing a gig. The band’s undeniable talent and their cohesion as a group is amazing to watch. The mosh pit and the circle pit was done with perfect band control. Their performance was electrifying, leaving fans buzzing with energy. Stand Atlantic are bold and unapologetic. Their musical exploration through pop-punk, rock and metal defines the uniqueness of the band’s identity and artistry. So Good – with added bubbles!
Private Wives:
Wollongong punk trio, Private Wives, delivered hard and punk-angry set. Their riffs, screaming group vocals and evocative words set Wonderland a light. From the short set, the band called out important issues facing young women like themselves – bad dates, creeps, online addictions to small screens and women’s rights. Their songs spoke to the crisis young women are feeling in being overwhelmed, but wanting to be heard, and confronting the eternal struggle for women to be able to enjoy themselves while still speaking their minds. It was done fast paced and loud. Cathartic and a wonderful end to BIGSOUND 2024 – Cecilia.