By Pearl Tizzie
Heaps Good Festival made its sophomore return to the Adelaide Showgrounds, Kaurna Country, SA.
Featuring a stacked lineup of 16 acts across two stages, including many exclusive to Adelaide and without any sideshows, this festival offered multiple reasons to attend. Housed conveniently indoors in the Goyder Pavilion and the Atrium, the festival proved resilient against the Cairns-like storms and weather that someone brought to Adelaide. While it meant that the necessary chill-out zones for a day-long festival were away from the sounds, the rain kept everyone inside, creating an immersive atmosphere—perfect for the EDM-heavy lineup.
May A kicked off the day on the Good Stage, delivering authenticity with her all-female band and ASMR-esque vocals. The surf guitar sounds emblematic of the indie-pop genre, complemented by steady bass lines and tight drums, set the stage for Maya’s vocals. Her set energized the early crowd, especially with the sing-along hit Say Nothing and an unexpected cover.
Holly Humberstone began her performance with a tantalizing tease of guitar and drums, welcomed by thunderous applause, and delved into her hits Into My Room and Paint My Bedroom Black. Winner of the 2022 Brit Award for Rising Star, Holly crafts tracks with lightly emotional content relatable to everyone. Lauren O’Donnen on beats, a steadfast member of the band, added fiery guitar solos.
Also a Brit Rising Star Award recipient from the 2021 Alumni, Griff brought bold pop stylings with a pop-rock set, featuring the song Head On Fire. Griff understands the dramatic effect of a pause and the impact of the band’s reentry after a drop out. Having previously supported Dua Lipa on her European tour and toured with Ed Sheeran, her song Vertigo gained recognition from Taylor Swift. Griff closed her set with an infectious rendition of I Wanna Dance With Somebody, igniting the crowd. Her performance showcased impressive vocal prowess.
Declan McKenna marked his Adelaide debut as one of the few male acts on this stage, bringing an intriguing mix of reggae rock and indie pop. Inspired by the career of David Bowie, Declan’s vocals carry a slightly old-school charm, at times reminiscent of The Beatles or, more recently, The Rubens. His voice encapsulates a blend from the 70s/80s/90s.
The Avalanches stormed onto the stage with their iconic electronic sound. As pioneers of the late 90s, their high-energy dance set, resonating with the heavier rock influences of the time, had the audience screaming for more. Their multidimensional sound captivated the expansive pavilion.
Foals followed, a British rock band formed in 2005, delivering a funk rock set that bridged the gap between the previous acts and the headliner. With a talented band lineup, they showcased their musical prowess, adding rock riffs that invigorated the lineup. This energetic band announced that this would be the last gig of the tour (at least for the next minute). Foals know how to build anticipation, with droning basslines and escalating guitar tones. The robust bass sound brought the rock set to life.
Flume, the headline act and the magnet for many attendees. By this point, the hall was packed, the crowd extending as far as the eye could see. With three studio albums and three mixtapes, this prolific artist delivered a mind-blowing set of electro-pop and hyper-pop tunes. Originally a saxophonist, the frequent ARIA chart-topper and international tour veteran, having played SXSW, Lollapalooza, Coachella, and Burning Man, brought his electrifying performance home. Flume’s set featured guest stars including Vera Blue and MAY A. An impressive light show culminated the night perfectly.
With an improved stage layout that eased movement and a stellar lineup, Heaps Good Festival remains an unmissable event for EDM aficionados. Keep an eye out for the 2025 event.
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