Friday April 10 – Saturday April 11
Fledgling music festival Marmalade Skies feels very DIY. Catering to the underground indie-pop scene of Sydney, organisers have had a series of setbacks since their initial crowdfunding campaign, but have finally set up shop in a Goulburn paddock. It doesn’t have all the trappings of a fully-grown festival, but this boutique offering knows the experience it wants to provide.
There are hidden pathways through the groves and signs bearing “This Way” or “That Way”. It’s clear that festivals like Secret Garden are a source of inspiration, and Pokémon cards hang from the boughs of trees as patrons lose themselves amongst the fairy lights. If you find yourself back at the entrance, a farmhouse-cum-rave tent pumps through the night for the drug-addled and confused.
On Friday it’s dark at the Main Stage by the time the bands start playing. The Borneo lead singer jumps off the stage and frolics with the onlookers as his band plays on. Their eclectic brand of rock’n’roll is invigorating, but never takes itself too seriously. Later The Khanz perform an electrifying set that is as fun as it is innovative. Beer and cigarettes are forced into their hands as the audience bounces to the heartfelt electronic rock. Whether it’s the jigs for Mumford & Sons wannabes Sons Of The East, or the free-flowing parties on the campsite, it’s obvious that this smaller festival has created a greater sense of ease.
Meanwhile the Market Stage is nestled past the food stalls, serving up acoustic treats as the punters devour sausages and dumplings. On Saturday, one stall owner roams the scattered flock offering samples to ease their post-Friday hangover. Callum Wylie’s soft, self-deprecating ballads are a soothing accompaniment to the morning. His easy charisma and husky voice blend well with songs of unrequited love and Paul Kelly covers.
As the day wears on, festival heads take cover in the shade. Sam and The Bird perform mournful blues from the Market Stage while complications at the Main Stage mean Hockey Dad’s catchy surf grunge arrives with the evening light. People seem less concerned with taking substances as watching the music today, so cocky rockers Lepers And Crooks have a tremendous crowd to pour beer over. Continuing into the night, pop-electronic bangers and DJ sets from Olympic Ayres and KLP finish the festival.
There are still kinks to work out at Marmalade Skies. However, despite its flaws, the organisers have brought together genuinely interesting bands, and it’s their taste that gets them through in the end.
