Splendour In The Grass preview
- By Justine McNamara -
- Jul 17, 2012
Splendour in the Grass returns to Belongil Fields in Byron Bay, after two years at Queensland location Woodford. The line-up features festival heavyweights Bloc Party, recently reformed At The Drive-In and The Smashing Pumpkins as headliners, as well as Jack White, newcomers Django Django and a whole host of Australian talent. Here's Red Room's pick of the must see bands who will be gracing the Splendour bill:
Friday 27 July
Headliners:
Jack White
Following the release of his first solo album ‘Blunderbuss’, Jack White will headline the first night of Splendour. The setlists from this year’s tour have included tracks from ‘Blunderbuss’, old favourites from The White Stripes and some Dead Weather and Raconteurs material.
Newcomers:
Howler
Their debut album ‘America Give Up’ gained our attention when it was featured on triple j this year. Howler have been busy touring and now the Minneapolis four-piece are bringing their beachy-rock sound to Australia.
Australian:
Spiderbait
I’m putting it out there - and correct me if I’m wrong - but any Australian who attended a festival in the late ‘90s or early 2000s will know Spiderbait. Returning after a long break from touring, the Aussie music veterans will be ‘F***en’ Awesome’ this year.
Saturday 28 July
Headliner:
Bloc Party
2012 will be Bloc Party’s fourth Splendour - a coincidence, given they’ll be touring their album ‘Four’ this year. Though Splendour-goers will no doubt be excited for some new material, it’s hits ‘Banquet’, ‘Helicopter’ and ‘Hunting for Witches’ that will draw a huge crowd.
Newcomers:
Miike Snow
Miike Snow played at the 2010 festival and more recently, lead singer Andrew Wyatt joined Mark Ronson and the Business International when they visited Australia last year. Singles ‘Paddling Out’ and ‘Animal’ will no doubt have Australian crowds excited.
Australian:
Muscles
It’s been five years since Muscles fans were chanting: “Hey Muscles, I love you, I wanna have your babies!” at almost every Australian festival and now he’s back with new album ‘Manhood’. Crowds will be watching to see if his new hits are as catchy and fun as the old ones.
Sunday 29 July
Headliner:
The Smashing Pumpkins
When Billy Corgan isn’t hanging with Australian group The Veronicas, he’s fronting legendary rock band The Smashing Pumpkins. With new album ‘Oceania’ and a whole lot of hits, they’ll be rocking Splendour this year.
Newcomers:
Father John Misty
No stranger to the music scene, former drummer for Fleet Foxes Joshua Tillman comes to Splendour under the name Father John Misty. His solo album ‘Fear Fun’ is a collection of country and blues goodness. Single ‘Hollywood Forever Cemetery Sings’ has a haunting video clip and features actress Aubrey Plaza.
Australian:
Ball Park Music
This Brisbane five-piece entered the music scene with a bang and have toured relentlessly since the release of debut album ‘Happiness and Surrounding Suburbs’. With singles ‘iFly’, ‘Sad Rude Future Dude’ and a whole lot of energy, Ball Park Music’s live show is nothing short of electrifying.
By Justine McNamara. Blogs at justineem and tweets @justiney87
This guest blog complies to Virgin.com terms & conditions.
