Live Review: Small World Festival

What was supposed to be a stormy day was met with splatters of sunshine and the thick air of basted, rotating meat. The perfect Saturday really for those who dwell in the inner west. One giant field in the middle of Sydney Park was littered with music and food fans alike, and as the sun set in the sky the waft of pork was complemented by dry whisky and so many beards.

Palms began with the screeching of an amp, a sound that only increased the wounded cheekiness and apathy from frontman Al Grigg, as guitar softly wailed in the background. They serenaded the extremely relaxed crowd with their punchy bass and punk rock-styled percussion. Palms maintained a high and pulsing energy while bringing their own playful brand of indie-rock to the stage with rebellious lyrics and creamy guitar licks. A sneak peek of a track from their newest album provided beach-stained percussion and alternate guitar riffs that will no doubt be a must-listen for both fans and skeptics alike.

There was really no better time than then to tuck into a prawn and pastrami roll garnished with polenta chips and drooling in gorgonzola from Newtown native Bloodwood. It was hard not to notice the thoughtful pairing of tunes and food that really made this day so unique. Also making a delicious appearance at the festival would be inner west institution Black Betty's BBQ, Mary's, and Surry Hills native Porteño.

Jack Ladder & The Dreamlanders soon followed. A sultry mood cascaded over the field as moody guitar riffs were met with pulsing percussion. A gothic tone could be heard in lead Tim Rogers' vocals as he channelled influences from Nick Cave and The National respectively. This would complement the onyx shade the sky had turned in the past half an hour. The band brooded with deep bass that amplified Rogers' mahogany-rich vocals on tracks that traversed seductive jazz vibes to dark rock.

PVT meshed dreamy soundscapes with insanely intricate synth for their set. Tropical tones pounded while the band maintained the effortless cool they are well known for. Playing a track from their first ever album cut ten years prior, the band exuded a seductive, soft yet electric sound. Their new song Kangaroo however would be a clear favourite. Without a doubt the keys shone the most during this track as they ducked and weaved throughout creating a crinkled sound. Funk-laden and filled with strobe synth, the bass peppered their set with robotic tones and left the throng indulging in their atmospheric instrumentals.

The DJs in between the main acts came from Shag (FBi Radio), triple j's finest Dom Alessio and Moriarty who would provide a smattering of R&B, hip hop and punchy indie tunes in between sets. It was the ultimate way to keep the vibe going between acts as you danced on the grass with a mouthful of pork belly and a crisp paper cup of Jameson in your grip.

DZ Deathrays smashed their way on to stage with their brash and outwardly unapologetic sound. Reflective Skull brought the throng together as thrashing locks of brunette hair whirled on stage. The band seemed to play their instruments with what could only be assumed as their middle fingers as they dared everyone to get wild with them. Gina Works At Hearts was a clear standout with boisterous guitar, rich bass, and screaming vocals. This would be where the party would reach its peak and there was no slowing down.

The Church was meaningful, classic, and bold with their set. This band knew how to hold a crowd's attention and that they did with their soft strumming and poignant vocals. The rhythmic swaying of the satiated throng was interrupted with bold percussion and stirring lyrics. What the punters had all come to see was an incredibly varied and powerful day of music, and The Church delivered the final chorus with their emotive instrumentals and deep, dark tones. The slow-tempo indie-psychedelic vibe was the perfect way to polish off a layered day of many genres of music that all seemed to complement each other beautifully.

What do you get when you mix chilli-soaked tater tots, smoky Mary's burgers, a large patch of grass, and some intensely talented homegrown music? You get an outstanding day in the sun doing all of the things you love while sipping on some Young Henry's and realising that the inner west is indeed the best. Not a bad way to spend a Saturday.