FMF + Creamfields Reviewed!

By Dared, posted July 30, 2010

Read on for a brief recap of the festivals that have hit our shores so far in 2010

Future Music Festival

FMF has consistently set new standards in the way music festivals should be run in Sydney. A plethora of international and local acts, coupled with faultless production made this the music festival of the year thus far. Trancers were also in for a treat, as the Anjunabeats Arena graced our shores with superstar DJs Mat Zo, Jaytech, Super8 + Tab and Above & Beyond manning the decks. All delivered great sets; my pick of the bunch being Super8 + Tab, for their seemless mixing and suitable track selection (although it was only Tab that came over this time). Other artists of interest included one of the greats in the EDM scene John Digweed, who delivered a storming set of prog, and Way out West, who recovered well after encountering technical problems.

Although the music is, and always should be the highlight of any festival, the sheer size of FMF makes it a festival to go to just based on the size factor alone. Whether it be the small arenas such as the silent disco, or the massive main arena that must stretch at least 200 metres in length, FMF seems to have all the bases covered for all the punters needs….. bring on next year!

Creamfields

Creamfields excited me in more ways than one when I uncovered one major detail; that the main arena would be held in a circus tent. For years I have dreamt of a festival where a circus tent was employed; something the Europeans have had over us Sydney-siders for years. Not only that; but one of the biggest names in trance, the flying Dutchman Ferry Corsten would be one of the headline DJs.
Upon walking in to Creamfields I was instantly impressed with eatery lane (a section that actually served food of many nationalities). I wasn’t however happy with the lower alcohol content of the beers and Smirnoffs, and the pre-poured vodka Redbulls were a little on the small side. (prices remained the same of course)

In the trance arena up and coming production ace Ashley Wallbridge was on the decks early on; and kicked things off nicely with the set of the event in my opinion (I am however very much biased towards trance DJs)
Walking to the main circus tent was a pleasant stroll; a nice addition to the event was the ability to purchase cocktails at a select location. There’s nothing better than sipping down a delicious alcoholic concoction whilst listening to the sounds of the top acts in the world.

The main attraction for the trance crowd came at 4:15 (if my memory serves me correctly); Mr Corsten himself came on to spin his trademark sound of Ferry, Ferry, and more Ferry. I am a big admirer of the Dutchman, but his set was almost identical to the one he’d performed in 2009. No real variation in the track selection, but seemless mixing and plenty of hands in the air moments provided for a more than enjoyable listening experience. It must have been my lucky day, as I bumped in to Sean Tyas. I have to say he is a really nice guy who deserves all the success that has come his way thus far.
The trance arena continued pumping on with the aforementioned Tyas rocking the sound system, followed by American duo Filo & peri, who also delivered a very, very solid set. Marco V capped things off nicely.

We Love Sounds

It pains me to say I missed this one; however feedback wasn’t overly positive. The trance punters were faced with an arena that was situated in the parking lot (correct me if I’m wrong). A trusted source however informed me that Gareth Emery helped lift the mood; probably one of the most consistent producers and DJs in the scene today.
Let’s hope WLS get their act together for next year!!!!!

What do you think of the year thus far? Do you agree or disagree with my remarks? How about club events; do they get a big yay or nay? Let the discussion continue!