Review: 4Walls Festival
Words: Rosanna Mosely
Pictures: Ben Finnan
Saturday August 6
4 walls festival was a surprising delight. Run by ‘Youth Music Industries’, the non-profit brain child of Queensland Academies’ Kristina Kelman, 4 walls enjoyed its 2nd year as Brisbane’s key underage indie festival on the weekend. How turning two makes a difference. Held at QUT Kelvin Grove it was my first indoors festival, yes that’s right indoors, and though I was hesitant about the idea at first (but as the temperature outside dropped) I warmed to it. There were 25 acts across 3 stages and 3 floors, with food and merch on the 4th, showcasing the abundant local talent of Brisbane.
Winding our way through the maze of corridors, rooms and stairwells to find adecently sized main stage, a stylish rooftop “Skyline” stage and a cosy “Basement”stage with candle light tables and lanterns hanging all around.
First act I caught was Montpelier, a favourite of mine I must admit, and their wistful indie-rock sound is always a pleasure. They’re a great live band, with craftily layered sounds. Sweet melodies and strong vocals singing lyrics that pull me in – forMontpelier I cant help it.
Next I dashed off to catch Orphan Ann. They had a nice chilled folk style, working well together to create a delicate hum of rolling rhythm. I only caught a few songs before heading to Matt Corby full of hope, as I’d heard good things about him.
Corby’s a cute and cheeky character who didn’t disappoint. Conjuring rich close vibes, Matt’s beautiful smooth sound and strong resonating voice told tales of young love, making all the ladies swoon. He showed some love for Jeff Buckley, a clear influence, with a cover of “lover you should have come over” and oh how I wish he would! Never have I heard a cover quite like this – sensational.
Down in the basement Stephen Smith were a fun duo, a bit up beat yet a bit softly mellow. The percussionist intrigued me as he worked a wooden box (possibly acajón) to get some simple but effective beat, very cool. They were a nice surprise and I thoroughly enjoyed their cover of Feist’s “Mushaboom”.
After ducking upstairs to scoff samosas and burgers, photographer Ben and I ran off to the next set, Vasy Mollo. What fun they are. Every bum came unstuck as we all grooved and jumped to the bass and drum lines. Vasy Mollo are certainly up-and-coming, splicing melodic twisty guitar over catchy, catchy tunes. Ladies were up onstage dancing away and Front-Man Daniel Klug got off stage to roam the crowd. The energy was flying, and the set seemed like it was over before it began.
The Oceanics’ Jackson Haswell popped my guitar solo cherry for the night, job-well-done there. Singer-Elliot, Drummer-Andy and Bass player, Matt meshed. Everyone connected onstage as Jackson took it away on the solos. Now here is an experienced group. Tracks like Romancer, In da go lane and new American Honey had the crowd somewhere in between dancing and goo-goo-eyed. Oceanics have got it down, and where it counts. Up stairs under the stars Cold and Need broadcast a stadium sound with striding U2-esque riffs, chords and melodies, all backed by fitting sporadic rock beats.
The funky little indie-rock band that everyone came to see, Last Dinosaurs were definitely the highlight of the night. They had great stage presence and you felt locked in by their buzz. They played all the snappy favourites that got the crowd going like Time & Place and Honolulu. The two guitarists were cleverly weaving some grabbing melodies and riffs to create a distinctly energetic and textured sound. I was totally absorbed.
Overall I was rather impressed by the festival. I thought the quality of acts for such a low price of $12 was astounding. It was all very well organised and it’s great to see such good entertainment in the underage sector. I thoroughly enjoyed myself as I have no doubt did all who attended, well done 4walls!