Better late than never, I always say. Remember when Ruby Assembly took over Queenscliff Music Festival last year? If you missed it, see our sparkling photos and witty repartee with parts one and two before reading our coverage of the final day of QMF. Now that 2014’s here, perhaps it will whet you appetite for home-grown musical festivals – it’s not all Stereosonic steroids and Big Day Out sweat-a-thons, you know.
Here I am on QMF festival Sunday morning at the famous Vue Grand Hotel courtyard after having enjoyed listening to human beatbox Tom Thum, taking weather precautions by wearing Zara knit, Cotton On boyfriend jeans and Sportsgirl kicks.
Remember Leonardo’s Bride? Former frontwoman of said band Abby Dobson has paired up with Lara Goodridge with their frenchy-chic band Baby et Lulu. The duo sing frenchy classics, sway winningly in retro frocks and even delighted with a frenchy version of ‘Even When I’m Sleeping’. Magnifique!
The onstage chemistry between Dobson and Goodridge was infectious!
Eagle and the Worm were in stark contrast to the mellifluous tones of Baby Et Lulu, like the hedonistic, sweaty lovechild of Jarvis Cocker and Spinal Tap. They played LOUD, metal-funky tunes that packed out the Pelican Bar. Lots of band members onstage, lots of hawaiian shirts.
My favorite performer of the day was Pez. I think Ellana (my Ruby Assembly sidekick-in-shenanigans) were going past the tent he was performing in when a very loud blast of Everyday People by Arrested Development literally had me running in to wave my hands in the air like I just didn’t care. Commercial, happy, summer-days-ey Australian hiphop came pumping from Pez, his singer and DJ.
Snapped in the media pit as Pez made his fanbase of screaming girls completely hysterical.
Pez’s DJ did a fine trade in Arrested Development, Wu Tang and other 90’s hiphop legends. Did I dance? Hell yeah!
Another change of tempo (did I mention how many diverse and wonderful performers QMF offers?) with iconic slide guitarist Jeff Lang, offering laid-back and quietly confident blues and roots to an adoring crowd of more mature punters.
Undoubtedly influenced by the glamrock stylings of The Darkness, Brisbane-born, NYC-based band The Grates were a punch of indie-energy to the head. Lead by explosive and theatrical Patience Hodgson, the main stage was totally packed out to hear their frenetic alt-rock riffs. Note to self: must try glitter armbands to make gesticulating more glamorous.
Worn out and happy, our last performance of QMF 2013 was from The Basics (noted for featuring Gotye aka Wally de Backer on drums). A terrific outfit in their own right and completely different from Gotye, The Basics sing songs of contemporary Australia, sweetened by harmonious vocals. A little bit pub-on-a-Sunday, a little bit Simon and Garfunkle too.
After so much music, enjoying various delicious food trucks, meeting new people and sunning ourselves on banana lounges at Vanessa, it was time for team Ruby Assembly to leave sweet Queenscliff behind for another year. We’ll see you again in 2015!
Thankyou to both the Queenscliff Music Festival for hosting us, and Big4Bellarine for providing us with a delightful place to snooze the nights away in.
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