Live Review: Athena Music Festival

Grrl Pal threw a spat of electronic pizazz into the mix, with a minimalist approach common with most electronic music. With Danny K on vocals, they blasted out something simplistic, sharp and pervasive. A highlight of their set was a song that clearly was a homage to Canadian artist Grimes, or to the casual triple j listener being 'that song which is like Oblivion but isn't Oblivion'.

Abbe May kept things bluesy with her deep, husky vocals. With day slowly transitioning to night, May had the success of drawing a few punters from the safety of the 18+ alcohol zone near the actual stage — the power of blues compels thee. Playing classics like T.R.O.U.B.L.E and Karmageddon (which sounded vaguely like Kasabian), it was her swinging soloing on the blues guitar which made her stand out.

Tired Lion belted out their classic, nostalgic grunge sound with vocalist Sophie Hopes audibly assaulting the microphone and providing the angsty backbone to the band's performance. A mixture of loud, dirty grunge and back-and-forth banter between the band members really provided for a memorable experience.

Nicole Millar bounced around on stage all spritely and full of energy. Really setting the festival into full-swing, a party atmosphere had formed and her set really did feel like a club set coming from a DJ. She solidified her reverbed vocals for tunes like Tremble — you know her performance had reached "peak club" when some members of the crowd started making out.

Asta was the final act, smashing out an unyielding '80s pop sound with her soulful vocals and funky lyrics. Creating a stir, she beckoned most of the crowd to get up close and dance, to which the punters reacted with festive fervour. Smoothly gliding through her set, it's safe to say she pulled it off.