The second night of festivities at Culture Collide proved to be a massive one, with the event introducing an outdoor stage as part of the weekend showcases. This in turn replaced what used to be a free all-day “block party” for the general public. The result is something more intimate, though capturing the great vibes that made the Saturday event so special.
Kicking things off on the slightly inflatable outdoor “World Stage” were US group Cosmic Suckerpunch, whose rock and roll was like a literal punch right at the jugular. An invigorating way to kick off proceedings. Check out their just released single HERE. Next up, the six piece ensemble Family Wagon greeted us with two members on the same drum kit, adding to some big sounds with a heavy Seventies keyboard infused influence. “Hard Times” was a highlight of the set.
All the way from San Diego, five piece The Silent Comedy were next, with their lead vocalist on the bass guitar and an electro banjo in the mix, which wasn’t heavily utilized – these guys make American rock music, really – but a far cry from the world of folk music. Though, I have to add that the banjo player did have an amazing mustache, which as far as I understand is one of the most important musical attributes in music today. Or is that beards? Tracks included “Got Neon”, one of those catchy songs you find yourself singing along to even though it’s the first time you’ve heard it. Something to be said for that, and this band are definitely producing some fun music. I’d keep your eyes out for these guys for sure, especially in the US market.
Medicine followed, a well established outfit who brought on a fair share of older fans to the outdoor stage. I wasn’t familiar with the group, though Wikipedia tells me they are perhaps best known for performing “Time Baby III” in the film The Crow. Their shoegaze noise pop exists somewhere in between the worlds of the Pixies and My Bloody Valentine, with a female vocalist playing lead vocalist duties in the form of Beth Thompson. A great voice and an excellent stage presence. The band are celebrating their new album To the Happy Few, which was released in August. It’s their first album in ten years.
Headlining the outdoor stage on what was an All-American night (a pointed move no doubt), were up and coming punk/surf/psychedelic rockers Bleached. Like Medicine before them, this group also featured a female on vocals – except this time there were three up front instead of just the one, accompanied by Jonathan Safley on the drums. Their brand of surf rock, which I would compare to Bloods in Australia, had everyone dancing along. A solid band who seem to amassing a growing following. Their debut album Ride Your Heart is out now.
