Beyond the Valley was an incredible event. Slick and edgy, it encapsulated a demographic that’s not represented in any current festivals: more dance party than rock show, but not a bush doof. Despite the conceptual triumph, the festival was marred by the same silver bullet that slayed the once successful Pyramid Music Festival; high winds up-rooted tents and caused havoc in the VIP camping area where some of the pre-erected luxury tents were flattened resulting in the already stressed crew to work even harder. On the first day of bands – the Tuesday – this generation’s The Mamas and Papas Lurch&Chief were moved from the main stage to the dance arena because the high winds made it unsafe out in the open. It doesn’t take a genius to realise this might have something to do with the fact that there is nothing between the site and Antarctica except for a small corner of Tasmania.
Later that day, on the now opened main stage, Pond demonstrated why they’re one of Australia’s most booked acts for outdoor festivals: their jangly psych rock and Nick Allbrook’s kooky antics colluded with the stormy sky and the dull yet defined afternoon light to create a profound experience. It seemed only fitting all the members of Lurch&Chief were watching on from the field in awe.
In the dance tent on Tuesday January 30, the highlight was the SpaniardTÂCHES, his ambient house music was subtle yet uplifting and driving. There was a ‘groove’ that manifested on the dance-floor as a tent full of people moved in a most delicious way.
Meanwhile down on the main stage, Peking Duk proved what makes them Australia’s most in-demand party DJs, as they dropped banger after banger including trance classic, Darude’s Sandstorm, where the entire audience crouched during the build and then leapt up at the drop. Canberra-raised Reuben Styles and Adam Hyde tweaked the set beautifully from the beginning with little hints at their mega-hit High – these little flurries of the song building towards its full version near the end of the set.
The weather for the 31st saw Philip Island’s south side in all its splendour and on stage this was enhanced as the new guard of Aussie hip hop announced its arrival as a supremely popular force in Australian music. Allday was arguably the daylight highlight, with throngs of festival goers joining the Adelaide native, now Melbourne-based in his contempt for party sluts – Girls In Jeans – and other issues facing 20-somethings today. I’ll be honest, I desperately didn’t want to like Allday. ‘Who is this dude with his ‘90s clothing and bold commentary and a legion of teenage fans?’ After seeing his performance and getting to chat to him for Beat TV, there’s a lot to like about him.
New Year’s Eve was all about RÜFÜS. The promoters behind Beyond The Valley also run Melbourne club night Anyway, the club night that had been based at The Palace Theatre until the theatre was closed for demolition. RÜFÜS had been the last ever act to play The Palace Theatre, so not only did the band have special place in the hearts of those running the festival but also a large percentage of the attendees. The set was crisp, professional and on point with songs Take Me, Desert Night, and Tonight getting a wild response from the audience. However it was the softly warping build of Modest Life that phased in after the countdown that elicited the biggest response from the revellers.
Beyond The Valley was a well executed party that showcased acts that may not normally get to play on main stages at Australian outdoor festivals. From the vast array of interesting food stalls to activities like laser tag, giant floating ball soccer and the extravagant VIP camping options, BTV offered something a little bit different on the festival circuit.
BY DENVER MAXX
Photo by Olivia Rankin
Loved: TÂCHES.
Hated: The security guard who very unsubtly touched-up my girlfriend when searching for alcohol.
Drank: Snake Venom Martinee.
