Igniting the stage first, in this all-star line, was Melbourne’s own FLAP! With a joyously infectious mix of high-energy folk, early jazz, ragtime and musicianship levels beyond their years, it was easy to see how they had become so highly saught after in the folk festival circuit. Following them were folk-gypsy-metal ruffians, The Barons of Tang, who charged onto the stage without remorse. Bringing with them them explosive Balkan tunes and a blue- flamed energy, the crowd was swept up into something crossed between and manic circle pit and a furious Zorba line. Through all this fantastic chaos, it was a miracle that the instruments and the PA were still intact by the end of the set.
When The Crooked Fiddle Band took to the stage, it was as though someone had put 10,000 volts through the dance floor. Fusing an array of folk and world styles and completely turning them on their head, this band certainly lived up to their crooked name. There was no restraining the four-piece; creating incredibly diverse, original and complex tunes with an energy and sound that could have rivaled groups ten times their size. The lightning speed and sheer technical ability contained (only just) within this group was mesmerizing, but never once did they let it overshadow the raw spirit of their compositions. Similarly, the use of effects, distortion and unconventional manipulation of their instruments added a wonderfully gritty and unique dimension that was truly inspiring.
They took the audience on an incredible journey with music from Europe, Jamaica, Ireland and even descending into the realms of Middle Earth. The beautiful and well-crafted set was almost exclusively instrumental, and yet their story telling ability through their instruments created a vibrant, magical world that kept the audience enthralled from start to end. An amazing night that went from strength to strength, all players and punters involved certainly proved that this style of folk was not for the faint-hearted.
BY KAT CHISH
Loved: Hippies with moshing abilities that could rival some of the most hard-arse metal thrashers out there.
Hated: The larger than expected volume of untamed beards. They are like keeping pets. If you can’t take care of it, don’t have one. It’s just cruel.
Drank: 5 Seeds cider, a great way to increase both refreshment and sugar levels. A must at a show such as this.
