Live Review: The Farmer & The Owl

The beginning of what promises to be Wollongong's own annual independent music and arts festival kicked off just after lunch on campus at the University of Wollongong across four stages, surrounded by food and clothes stalls and live animation and street art installations.

First cab off the rank was the young Kiama trio Scarborough, whose lead singer looks like Justin Bieber but sounds like Jonny Cash - they were mesmerising thanks to beautiful deep harmonies.

The festival continued, showcasing a host of bands that represented the vibe of the collaborating organisers – independent record store Music Farmers and the former live music venue Yours & Owls. The line-up was full of grungy, heavy rock bands and although most were great, some more genre variety was warranted.

The Chill Space stage (full of solo acts and beanbags) hosted an unexpected festival highlight – the genre escapist and funk master, electric guitarist Lyal Moloney. His energy absolutely oozed using beatboxing, looping, rap verses and reggae beats to layer his sound over the slick beats of his drummer, and he had the crowd up and dancing.

Further highlights included local band Nuns, who brought a joyful spark into the heavy rock vibe, and Wollongong mainstays psych-rockers The Walking Who; they introduced Liz Tillman on vocals and established the best audience support.

Five-piece Dappled Cities were fun though frontman Tim Derricourt should have danced more, and legendary, old school headliners The Drones were definitely worth the wait; they were like Aussie film noir with dramatic builds, maracas and an innate darkness.

There was a local, friendly and intimate vibe about the whole festival – something Yours & Owls have all but perfected with their choice of bands and curated sound. This festival has definite potential to become a yearly celebration and part of the fabric of Wollongong.