A sold out Groovin The Moo cranked up the party in Adelaide thanks to a great 2017 lineup and the welcome move to a new venue at the Wayville Showgrounds. In previous years GTM was staged in the paddocks of the Oakbank racecourse about 30km east of Adelaide, a memorable muddy experience when it rained.
Despite the intermittent rain at Wayville Showgrounds the grassed main arena stood up well to the foot traffic. The improved site layout with Moolin Rouge marquee stage located behind the 2 main stages was a blessing allowing the large crowd to move quickly between all stages.
Adelaide singer songwriter Tom West opened this year’s GTM with moody folk tunes to an enthusiastic crowd in the rain. Heaps Good Friends’ songwriters Emma and Nick came to the attention of Triple J Unearthed with their songs described as “peanut-brittle pop with text message lyrics”. Their catchy song ‘Let’s Hug Longer’ echoed their message to the crowd “Hug Gently Forever” about embracing friendships.
Moolin Rouge stage hosted a variety of Australian artists including Amy Shark, George Maple, 5 piece electro-rock band Northeast Party House, and hip hop artists Thundarmentals and L-FRESH the Lion with his strong messages about racism and prejudice. The international artists UK metalcore band Architects (UK), electronic music duo Oliver Lee and James Carter of Shakehips (UK) and American DJ Dillon Francis had the large crowd jumping to their mesmerizing beats.
Perth indie rockers Methyl Ethel performed songs from their new album Everything Is Forgotten and Sydney-based singer-songwriter, Montaigne, charmed the crowd with her unique and beautiful vocals interwoven with soulful lyrics.
American singer songwriter, Kristine Flaherty, better known by her stage name as K.Flay delivered smooth alternative rock songs like “Blood in The Cut” and “High Enough” from her new album, Every Where Is Some Where.
Lead singer and guitarist Laura Jane Grace of punk rock band, Against Me! (USA), rocked the crowd with songs from their new release album, Shape Shift With Me.
Aussie punk rockers, The Smith Street Band, kept the party pumping with songs from their recently released fourth album, More Scared of You Than You Are Of Me
Despite having laryngitis, Melbourne singer songwriter Tash Sultana, courageously showcased her awesome multi-tasking talent with her soulful mix of beat boxing, vocalizations, guitar tapping, and clever beat loopology.
Always entertaining Brissy Indie rock band, The Jungle Giants, belted out crowd favourites like She’s A Riot and their new single ‘Feel The Way I Do’.
German group, Milky Chance, impressed the crowd with their folk music set including new Gold status track ‘Cocoon’, and their dynamic colourful lighting display.
English rock band, The Darkness, have been around since 2000 and have formed a strong fan base in Australia. They thrilled the crowd with an energic and electric rock performance highlighted by lead singer, Justin Hawkins dressed in a tight bright blue jumpsuit and bass player, Frankie Poullai, in retro attire.
The Wombats (UK) were a crowd favourite with strong lead vocals by Matt Murphy and energetic bass player, Tord Øverland Knudsen, owing the stage with some great split jumps.
The last big band on the main stage were ARIA 2016 Best Group award winners, Violent Soho. They whipped their fans into a moshing frenzy with crowd surfers pouring over the security barriers. The bands guitarist, James Tidswell, recently squashed rumours that the band was breaking up and confirmed that frontman, Luke Boerdam, has been working on some new material that they are “pumped” about.
With the new venue and great lineup, Groovin The Moo has assured an even better future for itself in Adelaide, and got the tour of to a fantastic start.
Tash Sultana
