Live Review: Future Music Festival

“One, two, three, jump!” was probably the most used term of the day as Future Music brought one of its most DJ-heavy line-ups to Australia this year, but in terms of quality, it certainly matched its predecessors.

Killafoe got the party started at the Futuredome Stage under the big top shortly after midday with an ear-splitting bass-heavy set, while Future Of Future DJ Competition winner LOOK3 proved his credentials at the consistently popular Foam-A-Rama Stage, which had punters frolicking around in what proved to be very wet foam rising well above head height all day. Christening the decks at the beginning of the day over at the Cocoon Stage was JimiJ and Nuphoria, playing out some appropriate deep house numbers to edge the early comers into the spirit of the day.

Saul Bliss followed in a similar vein to a rapidly growing HBF Arena, presenting his deconstruction of tech house music. Throttle was happy to kick things off pretty smoothly at the main Supernova Stage, incorporating a bunch of popular tracks into his setlist, including the likes of Michael Jackson’s Thriller, before Klingande stepped it up a notch with the introduction of a live saxophone. Kiezsa was one of the very few acts of the day that actually had someone singing into the microphone, and it was a welcome change up. Some of the dance moves were a little awkward to watch, but the crowd over at the Future Stage seemed to enjoy the shake up.

Coming all the way from Netherlands, Amsterdam, the Yellow Claw trio brought their energetic hardstyle and trap fusion to the Future Dome Stage, meeting with great acclaim and some extremely vigorous and intimidating dance moves. MC Bizzey did a laudable job in hyping up the crowd, conjuring both a wall of death and a moombahton twerking competition that went down to the wire. Nineties trance god Darude toyed around with some token cheesy electronic selections, but it was his signature single from 1999, Sandstorm, to conclude his set that truly whipped the crowd into a frenzy. The anthem that defined a decade has received a puzzling commercial resurrection in 2014, and so it was no wonder that the track magnetised Future dwellers from afar with a packed out tent and at least one totally naked fellow.

It’s insane to think he’s only 18; he had the crowd in the palm of his hand over at the Supernova Stage and he fed off their reactions like a seasoned veteran.

It’s always fresh and exciting to see electronic acts give their music an acoustic interpretation when performing live, and it’s simply impressive witnessing the daunting pace of drum and bass music executed by a drummer in the flesh. London duo Cameron Edwards and Joseph Lenzie aka Sigma did just this, employing the likes of an entire band as well as some striking vocalists to put together what was a lively and electric performance.

“Sorry I’m late, the plane just landed. I came all the way from Los Angeles to fuck with you guys,” were the words that came out of the mouth of Carnage as he began a violent set of dubstep and trap music. An explosion of yellow and red confetti signalled the end of an explosive performance, making way for the likes of Nero. The trio delved into all of their big hits old and new, making the experience all the more commanding with Alana Watson’s angelic and haunting set of pipes. Hilltop Hoods took charge of the Future Stage for what was probably the biggest turnout at that stage for the day. They worked the crowd with hit after hit, including tracks Chase That Feeling, Still Standing, The Nosebleed Section and more, and did so with a three-piece horn section backing them up to add that bit of extra flavour. The trio suffered a little due to the sound coming from the stage’s speakers, but they kept the energy levels high and left everyone feeling well treated. Knife Party were forced to play earlier in the night due to flight delays from Sydney, and they were one of the real highlights of the day, much thanks to their phenomenal lights display to go with their incredibly high-energy performance.

Martin Garrix took over next, who has become one of the biggest names in the business since he released his track Animals. It’s insane to think he’s only 18; he had the crowd in the palm of his hand over at the Supernova Stage and he fed off their reactions like a seasoned veteran. Die Antwoord nailed it under the big top; the wacky duo have a hell of a reputation to live up to and they exceeded all expectations like the fantastic performers they are – Ninja managed to find the time to crowd surf, while Yolandi Visser climbed all over the stage setups. Happy Go Sucky Fucky was a huge highlight, the crowd chorusing “Fuck your rules!” right back at the duo, while final track Enter The Ninja took everyone back to where it all began and showcased just how consistently brilliant the band have been since. The Prodigy had punters losing the plot at the same stage as they delivered the most frenetic and energetic performance of the day. Nasty received a cheer of recognition; Omen producing a rousing singalong; but Smack My Bitch Up nearly took the roof off.

The Canadian self proclaimed “legend” Drake headlined the Future Stage, earnestly apologising for his belatedness as well as expressing sincere gratitude that he was even able to make the performance because of flight complications. A wash of amber light and the anthemic trumpet riff of Trophies met with exhilarated wails of giddiness and excitement from men and women alike. His OVO posse made some welcome tributes on the night - OB O’Brien on 2 On/Thotful, P Reign providing his flow on DnF, as well as 2 Chainz spitting out his menacing verse on All Me. Drizzy concluded with the highly anticipated Started From The Bottom, topping off what was simply an enlivening and masterful performance from the Toronto based MC.

Despite having his set trimmed and spending much of his set showcasing newer tunes, Avicii still managed to pull the largest crowd of the night and fit in a catalogue of hits – The Nights bled seamlessly into The Days, which in retrospect fit the festival’s vibe perfectly, while Addicted To You had the collective 10,000 or so people jumping up and down in unison. He closed with the song that started it all – Wake Me Up – and it left the crowd feeling as such: wired and ready to continue partying well into the night, enjoying the idea of a long weekend.