Decomposing Trees

There's just something about St Jerome's Laneway Festival that I like. I think it's because it's the antithesis of the Big Day Out. Instead of being herded into huge stages and squashed up the front of the stage, its tucked away in the city, you can sit on the grass and listen to music and you run into people (I bumped into about a dozen people I know).

Its despite it being trendster central. Half of the people look like they belong in Paddington as opposed to a music festival. Still, the lack of bogans that scream and shout next to you and spill beer on you is good.

One thing that was different to last year was the massive line when I got there. Last year there was no queue. Luckily I got through in time to catch the Crayon Fields at The Basement.

I have to say it was the first time I've ventured into the Basement and its quite a nice venue.



The Crayon Fields are probably one of my favourite Australian bands. I can't actually think of a new act that has released anything I've really liked since Animal Bells. They did a good set to sizeable crowd and won themselves some new fans. I'm pretty sure they have a new drummer. Don't know when that happened.



With screeching guitars, heavy bass lines and pounding drums My Disco did a deafening but an enjoyable and energy filled set. It was one of the few shows that I wish I had earplugs for. It didn't help that I was standing close to the P.A. system.

Afterwards I migrated from The Basement to the Park Stage for the rest of the day. Holly Throsby was on but I didn't pay much attention.



I had heard a couple of Fionn Regan's tracks before hand and had enjoyed them. His Laneway set was good, Fionn playing solo on acoustic guitar with occassional backing vocals.

I find it a bit hard to describe his music. He reminds me a bit of Nick Drake in his musical style but is more lyrical like Leonard Cohen.



I think it's a bit unfair when Camera Obscura is thought of as a poorer person's Belle and Sebastian. They might both come from Scotland but Camera Obscura have moved beyond and have a sound that incorporates ballads, waltzes and brass that harks back to lush 60s pop.

They played an enjoyable set. It wasn't the most energy filled or the greatest but perfect for a relaxing Sunday afternoon cum evening.



The next band I saw were The Walkmen who were disappointing in my opinion. I'm not a huge fan and don't mind their songs but it was the only act that I was rather indifferent about after seeing them. I'm not sure if they put on a below par set but it just lacked something.



I didn't expect Peter Bjorn and John to rock out during their set but then again I've only heard a couple of songs. It was an electrifying set and was definitely one of the highlights of the night, more than making up for the previous set. The best moment was when for Young Folks, they got Tracyanne from Camera Obscura up to sing.



Headliners Yo La Tengo came on and opened with Pass The Hatchet, I Think I'm Goodkind and from the opening minutes you knew it was going to be a stellar set.

It was only an hour long set which wasn't enough in the end, two tracks, the opening and closing tracks from I Am Not Afraid Of You And I Will Beat Your Ass taking up 20 minutes. Still, it did not detract from how good they were.

One of the things I love about their new album is its diverse nature which they showcased by playing Beanbag Chair, Mr Tough, Black Flowers and I Feel Like Going Home. They only played one older track, being Sugarcube.

Overall it was a good day, rain holding out until after the festival, though I think a few people were disappointed by the lack of a Yo La Tengo encore.