Live Review: Luliepalooza 2024 @ Victoria Park, Melbourne

Lulie Tavern’s annual rock n’ roll block party is back with their fourth powerhouse lineup – bringing local and international artists down to Victoria Park, Abbotsford, for a day of diverse artists ranging from country blues to 80s metal. Featuring local beers, food stands and the always present Bucking Bull, the day was nothing if not a red-hot good time.

The first highlight on the Lulie St. Stage was Hana and Jesse-Lee’s Bad Habits. A bright blend of rock, country, and soul, the duo and their band have been rocking around town for the past few years with their signature vocal blend and golden guitar tones. The title track of their recent album, Say What You Mean, closed out their short set, leaving their cowgirl energy in the hearts of the crowd for days to come.

Over on the Vic Park Stage, Skyscraper Stan & The Commission Flats blasted into a tight fusion of bluesy rock, soul, country and everything in between. Described as “One part Hank Williams, two parts Nick Cave”, Stan has a powerful voice and an equally powerful pen. The crowd's favourite track was Woody Guthrie for its swinging rhythm, everchanging energy, and Tango in a close second. An old soul with a young energy, an ageless storyteller and performer.

Following up were the Brisbane trio Platonic Sex. A rocking mix of folk queer storytelling and heavy grungey-shoegaze aesthetics, the band covered all bases of love, strength, fear and more. Themes culminate in the single Disappoint Another, along with the delightful Devil’s Advocate – complete with sarcastic, powerful vocal delivery.

Another strong entry to the lineup came in Batpiss. Two bass players, deadly guitar and speedy drums made for a fast and heavy mosh pit at the Vic Park stage. Concise Aussie rock with a dark edge, the boys roared into freak-out sections of noisy violin-bow bass. The best track was Weatherboard Man – a dark entry off their 2017 record Rest In Piss.

Back on the main Lulie Stage, the crowd was treated to a satisfyingly full-tilt Gooch Palms set. Infamously back after a mid-career hiatus and a string of reunion shows, the Newcastle garage rock beat the drum to an army of loyal singalong fans. Playing their classics Coast To Coast and Busy Bleeding, the true highlight was their hilarious and almost unrecognisable cover of Chris Isaak’s Wicked Game, which they closed their set to in thunderous applause.

After Goochie’s crazy energy, only Battlesnake could take it higher. And so, they did – launching into their distinct thrash worship. All dressed in golden priest robes, no one can commit to the bit harder than Battlesnake. Tracks like I Am The Vomit and Nightmare King were made for headbangers to the acquainted and unacquainted alike, while a surprise closer cover of AC/DC’s Let There Be Rock was an insane delight.

While the keytar player lost his instrument in the pit, he stealthily carried one of the guitarists up into the stands of Victoria Park for a wireless piggyback guitar solo up in the heavens. At the same time, the crowd convened in worship to the old gods of rock n’ roll. A true Luliepalooza moment was made here.

Critically acclaimed rock songwriter Cash Savage & The Last Drinks took the penultimate slot on the lineup – taking the crowd to a more intimate headspace with tales of love, mental health, fragility and queer struggles. Like many powerful poets of Australian music, such as Courtney Barnett, Nick Cave, and Paul Kelly, Cash Savage transcends music and prose into something larger than the sum of its parts. 

Tracks like Push carry mantras, creating a tidal wave of feeling in a collaborative crowd, while Keep Working At Your Job takes stabs at the every day in a humorous manner. Supported by the brilliant band The Last Drinks, with multiple guitars and strings, the depth of the storytelling is pushed to a cinematic level. A true icon of Australian music today.

Closing out the night was Luliepalooza’s first international headliner – USA’s Starcrawler. Bringing back the party to end what had been a rollercoaster of a day, Starcrawler played the crowd-pleasers and the hits. Originals like I Love LA and Roadkill paired with fan favourite cover If You’re Gonna Be Dumb, You Gotta Be Tough (from Jackass 4) made for a wild time in the Lulie pit.

Overall, it was another great entry to the Luliepalooza series, and another great day on Lulie St. If you’re looking for a rocking time at a small community festival, make sure to get down and grab a ticket next year when November rolls around.