Live Review: Yours & Owls' 4th Birthday Party

It became evident quite quickly that Yours & Owls’ 4th Birthday Party better fitted the description of a birthday party rather than a festival; having only one stage and a big sense of community to push it over the line, the only thing missing was some cake and a large scale Happy Birthday sing-along.

One-man band Lyall Moloney was the perfect act to welcome the crowd into the venue on this sunny afternoon, many of whom chose to pick a comfy spot on the grass to relax and let his chilled, tropical beats wash over them as they reserved their energy for later.

The Griswolds. Pic by Jodie Downie.

In true leisure coast style, The Owls arrived on stage a little late to deliver a set of alternative, danceable rock, which could be likened to Kasabian, making them the odd ones out on the bill, but nonetheless they started to pump up everyone’s mood.

Next up was Bootleg Rascal, who had gathered a small crowd in front of the stage that was vibing on the purer side of reggae the band was churning out. Unfortunately many of their harmonies were off, which could potentially be attributed to technical difficulties that were ongoing throughout the night, along with just pretty awful sound quality in general. It just served to remind us that this was a local birthday celebration rather than a large scale, corporate festival – which was also a thought reciprocated in the lax amount of security and cops surrounding the venue.  

Sydney boys High-Tails did their best to provide a fun and vibrant set to keep the atmosphere light. These boys have talent and some of the crowd realised it as they enjoyed newest single Terrible Day and got singing to Bending Over Backwards, their well-loved triple j track.

Everybody loves a bit of hometown pride and locals Hockey Dad have certainly done their bit to make Wollongong proud. It was clear this was the act most of the crowd were waiting for to really kick off the party. The pair delivered a well-received set of quintessential surf rock including tracks I Need A Woman and Seaweed, inspiring some of the crowd to start moshing.

Safia. Pic by Jodie Downie.

The whole community feel of the day became more apparent when this reviewer realised that all the bands were helping one another to set up and pack down their equipment, rather than there being sound crews. Audiences were entertained during these intervals with optimal song choices from the DJ, spinning everything from Destiny’s Child to Basement Jaxx to Violet Soho, to keep energies high and the crowd singing between bands.   

Everyone was eager for Safia and chanting their name finally brought the boys on stage, who kicked off their set with new track You Are The One, which proved to be a winner. For an electronic act, they sure play a lot of their music live, but when the PA cut out just before the drop in Listen To Soul, Listen To Blues we were rightfully reminded that they were in fact electronic musicians. They did us right though, replaying the track again with an extended instrumental, just so we could dance a bit harder.

The Griswolds were met with cheers from what they described as the biggest crowd they had ever played to. The band’s sound really filled the stage; it was big, punchy and fun. They aired older tongue-in-cheek track The Courtship Of Summer Preasley, as well as a couple of new tracks off their album Be Impressive. Popular single Beware The Dog was thoroughly enjoyed through a screaming sing-along, and they finished up their set with Heart Of A Lion – dancing ensued.

Dune Rats. Pic by Jodie Downie.

Dune Rats eventually came on stage to play a set of their infamous stoner rock, and literally every song sounded the same. Truthfully I hate the band and by the lack of enthusiasm from most of the crowd, they didn’t think much of them either as most suffered through the monotonous set, however a few managed to dance along. It really put a downer on the party.

Finally Sticky Fingers, who we all came to see, graced us with their presence. They kicked off their set with newie Land Of Pleasure, and it was all good vibes from then on in. They definitely lifted the mood and continued to keep us soaring high, playing hit after hit, getting a moshpit going for Just For You and making us all sappy for These Girls and Liquorlip Loaded Gun. Keeping to tradition, they left the crowd-pleaser tracks to last, slowing down Caress Your Soul to end the set, and coming back onstage to encore with How To Fly and Australia Street, achieving exactly the crazy crowd response that was expected, ending out the night with a bang.

Yours & Owls' 4th Birthday Party proved that Wollongong needs a summer festival; from the opportune setting by the beach to the overwhelming sense of community holding the party together, it just seems wrong that this isn’t a yearly occurrence. But if ticket demand and good times are anything to go by, one would assume we might be seeing this event pop up in our calendars next year for birthday number five.