Parklife 2011 Review & Pictures

I missed my alarm and so arrive later than planned to this year’s Parklife. But with local lads Strange Talk, who are marked out as my first must see act, taking to the stage at 1, I have enough time to wander around the Sidney Myer Bowl and get lost in the addictive buzz of San Fran Disco on the tiny Atoll Stage before making my way to the Sahara Stage to check out Strange Talk. With the band attracting attention in the States, the expectations are high for the boys who breeze gently onto the stage. Within moments of their opening number Strange Talk have the quickly filling auditorium eating out of the palm of their hands. Their rendition of No Doubt’s Hella Good proves a set highlight.

As Strange Talk make their exit, I take it as my cue to return to the Atoll Stage to witness the much-hyped Kiwi songstress Kimbra. With questions surrounding her festival suitability passing through the crowd, within 30 seconds she has more than won the right to be there. With the spirit of Amy Winehouse, Kimbra is an energetic, exciting act who lives each word before your eyes.

With Ballarat boys Gold Fields taking to the Cave Stage mid-Kimbra’s set, I reluctantly pull myself away to see if they are worth the world waxing lyrical. At first impression the boys, who seem stuffed onto the small stage, fail to wow with their frenetic display lacking melody. But as things calm down, the set takes shape but I call it quits for a bar break before returning to Sahara for Kiwi chart-toppers The Naked And The Famous.
With their boy-girl vocal battle having stolen hearts, the quintet are surprisingly nonchalant as they set out. But it is all a trick as their set progresses and everything kicks into gear. The crowds arrive in droves as the set progresses and the group relishes the reaction.

Swedish quirksters Little Dragon prove equally popular on the Atoll Stage. With Bjork-esque vocals, passers-by fail to resist their stirrings.

A quick watch check shows that Londoner Katy B is about to step out on Sahara. Not wanting to miss a minute, I fight my way through the crowds, arriving just as the super friendly redhead bounds on stage. With bouncing energy and a sunny disposition, Katy B’s note perfect set includes an amazing reworking of Good Life, which she dedicates to all the 90s kids. Boy I feel old!

The interesting Crystal Fighters are making their way on to the Atoll Stage as I make my way out for some food. Their fusion sound catches my ear and keeps me entertained for a few songs. But my stomach rumbles taking me via an excitable Example to the refreshments.

Once replete I make my way back to Sahara for the close of Mylo’s set and the entry of Macy Gray for today Santigold. An unforgettable presence, killer costumes and unbeatable vocal make their mark instantly and her set is easily one of the day’s highlights.

Diplo follows swiftly in Santigold’s wake and his hard and heavy sounds ensure that those feet don’t stop stomping. Shaking my bootie as I make my way across to the Atoll Stage for The Streets, I am conscious of making the experience brief so as not to miss a moment of Ditto action..

Mike Skinner and chums have not lost their magic touch and I promise myself that I will look into seeing a full set sonetime as I make my way back for some Gossip. Bowling onto stage with her boundless energy, Beth Ditto gives it her all. With a stunning rendition of Jolene, it is Heavy Cross that makes its mark.

With the end of the night nigh, I choose to split my time between Swedish songstress Lykke Li and dance duo Duck Sauce. Dressed from head to toe in black, Li is a mysteriously magical performer. Oozing a sexy charm she teases and entices. In stark contrast Duck Sauce spin those discs and make you dance.

Review and Images by Jeremy Williams