Spray 'n' Wipe 2013 at the Espy

Most music festivals try to create an unrivalled party but Spray n Wipe takes on cosy and unassuming to wander freely from to room, buy drinks without missing a set and enjoy what it is all about – the acts. Honestly, despite the long list of acts across four stages the night passed quickly. In between DJs kept the crowd happy but live music was the family favourite.

With a line-up leaning heavily on triple j acts, this installation of Spray n Wipe felt right at home at the Espy.  

Photo: espy.com.au

Tokyo Denmark Sweden got the crowd standing and warmed up for the night with their synth-pop filling the main stage.  With a combination of regular setup (guitar, drums, mic) and some extra electronics TDS created an atmospheric scene for spacey dancing. As soon as the drums kicked in on their single ‘When It Breaks’ there was more dancing than head-bopping. The trio also pulled out their tracks more suitable for the night ‘Lights Off’ and ‘Little Quarters’. Although they kicked off relatively early, they had gathered a large crowd by the end of their set keen to keep it lively.

As a general rule the bands stuck to their upbeat songs – it was not a night for slow ballads by any means. Brisbane boys Gung Ho started their set with a jam that showed off their electric guitar prowess. They then put on a fierce show, which puts them far out of the category of indie pop but kept it down-to-earth at the same time. Cool and conversational, they roamed through songs from the harmonic ‘Twin Rays’ to the more upbeat ‘Side by Side’.

On the side, the Mezzanine hosted a string of DJs but most of the crew hanging around there were on the balcony, at least until much later. The sweaty dark dance party was happening downstairs in between sets – especially dropping new Disclosure, Hot Chip and even some 90s classics.

A lesser known but solid act Melbourne’s World’s End Press then took to the stage with an energy-fuelled performance, which surprisingly was a standout of the night. Frontman John Parkinson jumped around stage while belting out the vocals and the bassist beside him also took part. Unlike the other acts, the sing-a-long factor wasn’t strong but it didn’t stop everyone from soaking up the dramatic distorted pop.

Meanwhile, The Griswolds held their own at the Gershwin stage with their no-fuss garage-jam performance as a sort of calm before the storm.

Photo: DZ Deathrays/Facebook

Shortly following were DZ Deathrays, who attracted a fervid crowd and as per usual saw plenty of intense moshing, crowd surfing and stuff getting chucked around. After playing the notorious “The Mess Up” a good chunk of the crowd swarmed as a writhing mosh into a stage invasion. I’m not sure how everyone managed to fit and DZ kept playing unbothered. (Facebook reports that all their gear got trashed).

Alpine were the last live act of the night, with their rapturous dance tunes and quirky stage antics bringing the night for a close.

As a side note, much more dancing than your average gig night.

Published on adamNOTeve.