OK GO.

I am starting this review of backwards, simply because I cannot get Florence Wench’s amazing performance out of my head. Please bare with me - my tongue has too much to say about this incredible beauty and my stubbly fingers cannot keep up. Anyway, here goes.

Picture this. Electric blue jumpsuit, bright long orange hair, and masses of gold bling around her neck. Standing tall in the middle of the stage, singing sweetly and holding beautiful high notes. Her arms open like butterfly wings and an insane light show was in full force behind her, radiating her awesome-ness…. Capturing that memory, trying to explain that breath taking moment for you, it’s tough. STUNNING is really the only description I can offer you. She looked like a true pop artist. And WOW did she perform like one also!

Another awesome aspect to the Sydney Laneway festival was the vibe. The people who joined the atmosphere on the 31^st of January were the epitome of cool. The oozed style and were full of life. They were all incredibly good looking and as they walked past, an alternate and interesting scent was left lingering in the air.

It seems only right to talk about Mumford and Sons, the current number 1 in Triple J’s hottest 100 for 2009. And yes they showed the Laneway crowd how they earned this amazing title. The talented musicians seemed to capture all of their fans, transporting us on a journey into a world filled with banjos and salty wise words. To a place where life and love can be wrapped up in chunky knit clothing and kept safe forever. Sounding similar to The Fleet Foxes, Mummers mixed charm with hearty lyrics and added the indie folk rock genre to the Laneway festival. Their number 1 hit ‘Little Lion Man’ brought an absolute uproar in the lane, applause and cheers stampeded out of Sydney’s College of the Arts in Roseville and it was the highlight of my day.

The beautiful voice of Sarah Blasko was heard down another little lane, with a crowd swaying and singing in time. Ms Blasko never disappoints, I have been lucky enough to see her numerous times, and still come back for more! Similar story with Philadelphia Grand Jury, one band I will never get enough of. They rocked the stage and got LOOSE like always, entertaining the crowd with their wild antics - Berkfinger eating another microphone and Calvin going mental on the drums. Such good quality entertainment!

These were the stand out performers of my day in the little lane. Cute festival, great idea, cool people, great artists and fun times - What more could you want?! I recommend getting yourself a ticket next year, definitely worth the bones!

Katie Duncan.