Following on from a stellar performance on the Vans Essential Stage at the Adelaide Big Day Out, two members of Ballarat's Hunting Grounds swing by for a chat.

There was a definite change of mood about the Showgrounds this year. It’s obvious upon one’s first scout about the festival site that the Big Day Out just doesn’t function properly in the stripped back capacity it did last year. With both main stages back in action, the El Jimador wrestling ring and Chow Town being new shiny drawcards for punters and the sheer force of the line-up this year, the Big Day Out experience people will buy tickets for actually seemed to be in operation for this, the 2013 edition.

So, let it be known that I until this day was a Big Day Out virgin and might I say, what a ride! The day started slow and steady and ramped up for one big party at the main stages.

In this issue MXPX announce 2013 tour, Battleships to hit Melbourne, Peter Murphy at the Gov and much much more! Much.

MXPX here in March 2013!

Punk's not dead, it just got a little older/wiser and had some kids. Celebrating 20 years ripping out short and fast tunes MXPX have announced some shows for March 2013. Repeat visitors to these shores expect fans old and new to be turning up to the shows.

Wednesday 6th – Brisbane – The Zoo [18+]

Pictured: Wheatus.

In this issue: Marquee Sydney launches monthly 'Block Party', Bec and Ben get set to launch Butterknives to Razorblades, The Stu Thomas Paradox takes on Tago Mago for two shows and more!

MARQUEE SYDNEY LAUNCHES INAUGURAL ‘BLOCK PARTY’ FRIDAYS

Hunting Grounds, the band formerly known as Howl, deliver their debut album In Hindsight.

A big week for album releases, with some big acts the likes of Bloc Party, Ricki-Lee and Justin Bieber. This week also sees a release from the hit show, The Voice and a debut or two from local artists such as Blue Sun and The Rubens.

Since the small town mash up kings started they have made it clear to everyone that Yacht Club DJ’s know how to start a hell of a party. As people piled into The Gov it became glaringly obvious this sold-out Friday Night show was set to get crazy.

Ah Big Day Out… the festival that has been running like a freight train year after year only to be halted this year by slow ticket sales and a ‘weak lineup’. And despite all my concerns leading into the day Ken West (minus Vivian Lees for the first time ever) pulled it off and put on a more than enjoyable day.