REVIEW: Listen Out Ignites Meanjin/Brisbane

REVIEWS

22 Nov

Written By

Words by Samuel Fudge

Brisbane was pulsating with anticipation and enthusiasm, the city found itself in the thrilling grip of major sporting events, as the Broncos and the Lions battled it out in preliminary finals. Yet, amidst this sporting fervor, one of Australia's most cherished music festivals, Listen Out, took center stage, graciously hosting nearly 40,000 eager attendees.

Renowned for its eclectic lineups that seamlessly blend hip-hop and electronic music, this year's edition pushed the boundaries even further. With an extraordinary lineup featuring heavyweight headliners such as Lil Uzi Vert, Skrillex, and Ice Spice, Listen Out delivered one of its most powerful rosters to date, promising an unforgettable experience for all in attendance.

Supathick, local legends who earned their mainstage spot through their triple j Unearthed competition win, kicked off the day with their genre-blurring fusion of funk and electronica, captivating the audience and setting them in motion. Their vibrant soundscapes and infectious beats, emanating from the Atari stage, established an electrifying atmosphere that would carry on throughout the day. Meanwhile, over on the Prophet stage, another beloved local act, 1tbsp, was already igniting the party spirit in the early hours of the festival.

Piri, an artist who has been making waves and capturing the attention of music enthusiasts, was making her highly-anticipated Australian debut at Listen Out. Her arrival at the festival drew a substantial crowd, eager to experience her infectious fusion of pop and drum and bass. Piri's performance was a captivating spectacle and a testament to her rising star power

Speaking of pop icons, Mallrat's set was nothing short of captivating. Her performance showcased a remarkable evolution in her artistry, blending electronic beats with live instrumentation in a way that left the audience spellbound. It was a testament to Mallrat's growth as an artist and her ability to create a truly mesmerizing live experience.

Following Mallrat's set, Jpegmafia took the stage. The change in musical genre didn't faze the crowd at all. Peggy's electrifying performance had a commanding presence, holding the audience's attention from start to finish, drawing from his extensive discography and also treating the crowd to multiple tracks from his newly released collaborative LP with Danny Brown, "SCARING THE HOES."

Despite joining the lineup less than 24 hours ago as a replacement for Metro Boomin, ONEFOUR turned up the heat for the local crowd, delivering a dynamic performance that left everyone in awe. Following their energetic set, the maestro himself, Kenny Beats, took the stage, working his magic by seamlessly weaving crowd-pleasing tracks into his set. Meanwhile, at the 909 stage, Loop Daddy, aka Marc Rebillet, was crafting a truly unforgettable performance. With his signature improvisational skills and an uncanny knack for seamlessly integrating his show with his musical performance, it was a sight to behold. Marc Rebillet's ability to create a unique and engaging experience left a lasting impression on all fortunate enough to witness his artistry.

It was evident that a significant portion of the festival crowd had eagerly gathered to witness the undeniable star of the show – Ice Spice. Unless you've been living under a rock, it's hard to ignore the incredible buzz surrounding Ice Spice over the past 12 months. With some of the most infectious and viral tracks currently making waves, the Bronx rapper not only lived up to the immense hype but also delivered a set that will be etched into the memory of all who were fortunate enough to be there.

Meanwhile, on the 909 stage, a completely different vibe was unfolding as Four Tet, one of the most cherished figures in the electronic music scene, graced the audience with his presence. He curated a versatile set that seamlessly blended elements of house, tech house, and electronica, captivating the crowd with his musical wizardry. Four Tet's performance was a testament to his status as a genre-defying maestro who continues to push the boundaries.

An unpopular clash amongst attendees at the festival was that of headliners Skrillex and Lil Uzi Vert. However, Lil Uzi Vert's late arrival of 55 minutes behind schedule, unexpectedly turned into an opportunity for many in attendance. They were able to make their way to Skrillex's enthralling set at the 909 stage, which proved to be nothing short of amazing.

Skrillex's reputation as the face of electronic dance music for the last decade was abundantly clear, as he unleashed his vast catalog of hits to a crowd in a state of pure frenzy. Meanwhile, those who chose to patiently wait for Lil Uzi Vert were rewarded with a brief but sweet performance that added a final flourish to an already unforgettable day of music and celebration.