Live Review: Hyperfest

The weather took on its typical unpredictable characteristics that we have come to know and love here in Perth, as Hyperfest 2015 got under way at Midland Oval on Sunday.

The sun was shining as the crowd filtered through into the festival combining the smell of vendor’s vans and sunscreen. The atmosphere was electric as the festival got underway, leaving the bitterness about not getting a Soundwave leg behind us as we excitedly mapped out our stage plan. 

Starting off the day on The Music Feedback + The Music Presents stage (yellow) was Perth’s Sly Withers with their hypnotic indie-rock sound they warmed up the crowd with their unique blend of original songs oozing ‘60s pop-punk and ‘90s grunge influences. Next up over on the Drug Aware Main Stage was punk rockers Rag N’ Bone, who had the crowd grooving along with their aggressive bass lines, possessive riffs and Kiera Owen, the lead singer, belting out her signature powerhouse vocals. 

The Drug Aware Rave Cave had the heavy bass lines pumping from midday ‘til 8pm, with Madzz, Shann, Jason Duffin, Levi Walsh, Willco, Mike De Wet, JAAWA and Miiddy taking the stage; the atmosphere in this part of the festival was not for the faint-hearted: the music was loud and the people hot, sweaty and numerous.

Over on the yellow stage at 3pm we had Perth punk rockers, Roswell. Playing their infectious, melodic style of pop-punk coupled with Katt Nelson’s charismatic vocals, they proved to be an early crowd favourite.

A notable act from Melbourne was producer Gab Strum aka Japanese Wallpaper. Strum pulled off an amazing set and kept the high going throughout the late afternoon with his multi-instrumental electronic indie style that had us all forgetting that he is just a mere 18 years of age.

Canberra sent over indie-punk rock act Super Best Friends, best known for their politically charged rock song Round & Round featuring Tony Abbott. They launched onto the stage with their thunderous vocals and dense guitars riffs, spewing out their culturally aware lyrics.

The Bennies. Pic by Caleb Macintyre.

Next up was Finders, a local post-hardcore metal band. They were clearly a crowd favourite with a huge fan base turning out to watch them fire up the stage with their well known melodic vocals and riffs. Their energetic approach to the post-hardcore genre was suitable for a wide audience making them a good fit for the festival.

Local MC Coin Banks broke up the long list of bands with his original take on electronic hip hop, a collaboration of classical and fresh, modern stylings, Banks creates music that is both stylistically original and tells the listener a story, making him the perfect lead-up to headliner Illy, one of his biggest influences. The perplexing enigma that is Melbourne’s Ecca Vandal made a splash on stage with her eccentric collection of electronic punk rock musical arrangements with their powerful ‘90s grunge flavour, catchy melodies and seemingly neverending list of influences: it would appear we are just scratching the surface of Ecca Vandal’s musical abilities.

Producers Slumberjack were another notable dance, hip hop act from Perth, taking centre stage as the sun began to set, the temperature beginning to cool down as they provided a tight melodic set that was just whacky enough to fit in with the feel of the overall festival. Self-labeled as “Psychedelic Reggae Ska Doom Metal Punk Rock From Hell”, The Bennies dropped a mad set, that had us all forgetting about the fact that tomorrow is Monday. Heavily influenced by greats like The Clash, Sublime and Rancid, they delivered the wildest, fastest, loudest set of the day while still encompassing the chill vibes of the reggae genre and, in our opinion, took out the award for best on stage show of the day.

Illy rounded out the hip hop artists with a tight set. His ability to tell a story, rounded beats and intelligent use of wordplay makes for one of the best hip hop artists to come out of Australia. Equally as impressive was Perth deathcore band Make Them Suffer, who did not disappoint as they delivered their signature eerie symphony like arrangements, horror-esque screams and unrelenting drums. They sent the crowd into orbit as they were whisked away on a horror filled nightmare as the night sky darkened.

The Headspace Midland Ice Age Chill Out tent held screenings of Estrella Luna and Variety Half Hour as well as holding the signing tents for meet and greets. Swan City Youth Services and Midland Headspace had information booths available with staff there to help anyone with questions. Riley Pearce made a short appearance at Headspace as well as Pirateman Speranza with his mishmash show of fire performances, street theatre pandemonium and extravagant cabaret stage shows. The festival was well planned out, with plenty food vending vans, rides, sideshows, entertainment and above all else, a festival of live music we so desperately crave here in Perth.