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Homegrown Sounds of Victoria
@ PICA, Melbourne,
16th March 2024
(Live Review)

Review by Tristan Skell

Photos by Drew Hill (@drewhillphotos)

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SLOWLY SLOWLY / Photo – @drewhillphotos

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The Port Melbourne Industrial Centre for the Arts (PICA) served as the perfect backdrop for Australia’s local musical talents to shine at the “Homegrown” festival, organised by the very well-known Australian tour and event promoter Destroy All Lines on March 16th. From indie vibes to punk anthems, Port Melbourne was treated to a showcase of Australia’s finest musical offerings.

PICA has seen its fair share of big gigs, featuring Electric Callboy in November 2023 and The Smashing Pumpkins in April 2023. With its unparalleled setting and impeccable sound quality (albeit still requiring earplugs), PICA provided an ideal setting for the Homegrown festival.

As doors opened at 2pm, the night began with a modest crowd trickling in, eager to kickstart their evening at Homegrown. Early birds seized the opportunity to explore the festival’s offerings, from delectable food vendors to well-stocked bars and enticing merchandise stalls. With every necessity at hand, attendees were primed for an afternoon of music and merriment that promised to keep them fully engaged until the last note faded away.

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HASSALL / Photo – @drewhillphotos

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The evening commenced with the soulful sounds of Hassall, an Australian singer and songwriter known for her unique brand of “sharehouse-pop.” Setting the stage with her track “Out of Date,” Hassall effortlessly captivated the audience with the depth and emotion in her vocals, setting the perfect tone for “Homegrown.” Her soulful performance drew in the crowd, initiating the festival on an exhilarating note.

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TOOSLOW / Photo – @drewhillphotos

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As the festival unfolded, around two hours later, a band named TOOSLOW made their appearance. Despite my initial unfamiliarity with them, I could not help but notice the crowd swelling around the stage. It was a curious sight for a band I hadn’t previously encountered. However, to my surprise and realization, it soon became apparent that TOOSLOW was none other than a side project of Slowly Slowly, as Ben Stewart (Slowly Slowly vocalist) took the stage. It was an unexpected twist in the lineup, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the festival experience.

TOOSLOW veered towards a “pop-punk” direction, infusing their sound with a touch more edge compared to Slowly Slowly. While Slowly Slowly leans towards alternative rock, incorporating elements of punk rock, emo, and indie rock, TOOSLOW injected a punchier, more punk-infused energy into their performance. It’s refreshing to see bands exploring new musical territories and branching out in this manner.

Following TOOSLOW’s departure from the stage, the DJ between sets kicked things up a notch, treating the venue to an eclectic mix of theme songs like SpongeBob and Scooby Doo, along with timeless classics spanning decades. Tracks like “Untouched” by The Veronicas, “Teenagers” by My Chemical Romance, and “See You Again” by Miley Cyrus filled the air, prompting the crowd to sing along with fervor. It was a nostalgic and spirited interlude, further enhancing the vibrant atmosphere of the festival.

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VOID OF VISION / Photo – @drewhillphotos

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It would be careless not to mention the powerhouse performance of the night by metalcore band Void of Vision. With a striking backdrop bearing their name in bold white letters, the stage was set for an electrifying set. As the hardcore listeners converged into the mosh pit, Void of Vision kicked off their set with their latest single, “Angel Of Darkness.” Frontman Jack Bergin took command of the stage, wielding the mic stand with fervor and urging the crowd to boost their energy. Their return to the stage marked a powerful comeback, considering their last tour took place nearly four months ago in November 2023. They are now gearing up to headline Narre Warren’s District 14 on March 23rd.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, the crowd at PICA swelled, filling the space with eager anticipation. The penultimate act of the night, pop-punk band Kisschasy, took the stage, greeted by a wave of excitement. As the venue lights illuminated the gathering dusk, the crowd resembled a sea of silhouettes, as the atmosphere of Homegrown began to grow. Bodies bounced up and down throughout the venue, while others stood back, nodding along in the distance, fully immersed in the music. The night was still going strong, the availability of food and beverages remaining impressively consistent, while merchandise was still flying out of the stalls. As Kisschasy hyped up the crowd for the final act of the night, anticipation reached its peak, setting the stage for Slowly Slowly to close the evening with a bang.

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KISSCHASY / Photo – @drewhillphotos

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As the last rays of sun finally left the venue, the stage was bathed in artificial lighting, signaling the arrival of Slowly Slowly. Before taking the stage, a curious QR code adorned the backdrop, intriguing the audience. Upon scanning, it directed viewers to a short YouTube video teasing a new single from the depths of Slowly Slowly’s archives. The song, however, did not make its debut that night, leaving fans eagerly anticipating its release and keeping them on edge in anticipation of when Slowly Slowly will unveil it to the world. One fit change later, Ben Stewart returned to the stage, joined by drummer Patrick Murphy, guitarist Alex Quayle, and bassist Albert Doan. Launching their set with the title track “Daisy Chain,” the crowd echoed Ben’s vocals on stage, displaying an impressive level of energy despite nearly 8 hours of local Australian music. Their stage presence was nothing short of phenomenal, as they delivered an unforgettable performance. From singing atop Patrick’s drum kit to leaping astonishing heights from the backstage platform, Slowly Slowly captivated the audience with their boundless energy and theatrical flair. They proceeded to perform well-known tracks from their discography, including slower, emotionally charged songs such as “God” from the album “Daisy Chain,” as well as the indie rock track “Jellyfish” from “Race Car Blues.”

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SLOWLY SLOWLY / Photo – @drewhillphotos

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To conclude both their set and “Homegrown,” Slowly Slowly brought the evening to an unforgettable close with their performance of “Blueprint.” The band poured their hearts into this final song, delivering a memorable performance. With the announcement of their impending hibernation, it’s clear that Slowly Slowly is gearing up for what lies ahead, whether it’s crafting new musical endeavors or simply taking a moment of respite.

“Homegrown” proved to be a resounding success, with every attendee leaving the event feeling fulfilled after a night celebrating the best of Australian music. Looking ahead, there’s a collective hope that this festival becomes an annual tradition, a testament to the incredible talent showcased. A heartfelt thank you goes out to each band that graced the stage, making the evening truly unforgettable.

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WAAX / Photo – @drewhillphotos

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Check out Drew Hill’s (@drewhillphotos) full gallery of this event HERE

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Follow HOMEGROWN SOUNDS OF VICTORIA
Facebook

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Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers / Photo – @drewhillphotos

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Press Release 18th February 2024 (below) HERE

HOMEGROWN
SOUNDS OF VICTORIA

+ 2 Brand new events in March at
PICA, MELBOURNE
& KRYAL CASTLE, BALLARAT

Featuring
SLOWLY SLOWLY, KISSCHASY & MORE

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AMNPLIFY – DB