Live Review: Future Music Festival

Having missed out on First Class experience tickets, Adelaide was granted the optional upgrade to ‘The Sunset Club’. The additional cost of the upgrade was debatable, however. The access to free phone charging, snacks, cloakroom and a fast-service bar mirrored a footy club atmosphere and included zero outdoor sun beds or anything else glamorous. Apart from the upgrade shortfalls putting a minor downer on the day, Future Music Festival delivered, proving that the EDM love in Adelaide stands strong.

Early afternoon saw Darude’s return to Australia to throw around some new tracks and a hint of nostalgia for original trance lovers. The impatient and jacked-up crowd repeatedly chanted “Saaaaaaandstorm” throughout the Finnish DJ’s set and were disappointingly rewarded with a two-minute anti-climactic finale of the 1999 anthem.

As promised, Sigma had a live crew that brought some refreshing energy and made the set a stand-out. Their female vocals did justice and then some to Paloma Faith on Changing. Pulling one of the biggest crowds for the day, Hilltop Hoods proved that there are no signs of slowing down for the Australian hip hop kings, who literally ran across the stage for the entire hometown set.

A pretty dismal effort from Example though, who, after plenty of attempts to gain crowd interaction, created uninspired vibes. The songs sounded as tired as the UK artist after “three days without sleep – can you tell?” Yes, yes we could. Unfortunately when it came to 2 Chainz’s set, it was Adelaide that was embarrassing with an undeservedly sparse crowd attending.

As the festival came to a close it was time to choose a posse for the headliners. While Aviici’s numerous radio hits, confetti and fireworks were enough to keep the crowd happy, it was Drake’s down-right gorgeous smile and charming attitude that had the ladies rolling in. The Canadian was quick to make Adelaide feel special and for a lucky few, completely smitten with his prolonged eye contact and hand holding from his platform during Hold On We’re Going Home.

With big names and big numbers continuing to roll in for this one-day event, we will certainly be looking forward with anticipation to the return and growth of Future Music Festival in 2016.