Sydney Laneway 2023 – review and photos

Laneway Festival 2023 rolled into Sydney recently, bringing a sumptuous slice of the eclectic with it. We sent photographer Adam Davis-Powell and reviewer Chloe Davis-Powell along:

Welcome to Country

Setting the tone for a culturally inclusive and respectful atmosphere, the Welcome to Country beautifully weaved the deep spiritual and cultural connection to the land that Laneway Festival in Sydney is held on. The audience learnt about the deep relationship between the Wangal lands and waterways, and the role the river played as a source of vibrant activities, food, spiritual practice and trade, for thousands of years, as well as the pivotal importance of the many songs and dances that came first. 

Sycco

The talented Aboriginal Australian singer-songwriter and producer from Brisbane took the stage and captivated the audience with her unique sound. It’s easy to see why she was Triple J’s Unearthed Artist of the Year in 2020. Her music is a blend of bold spirit and laid-back indie tunes, reflecting her wisdom beyond her years. A stage presence that’s effortlessly chill, we expect Sycco to only grow and cement herself as a firm favourite among the Laneway’s youthful crowd.

Yard Act

Throwing up a new age post-punk scene, the Leeds band bring a fresh touch to the familiar minimalist grooves and sharp guitars with unexpected twists. Just a year after their debut album ‘The Overload’ was released – and following the success of bands like Goat Girl and Dry Cleaning – Yard Act fits in nicely with other surrealist sentimentals on the festival circuit and was firmly welcomed by the Aussie crowd.

The Beths

Indie-rock favourites from Auckland brought their infectious energy characterised by tight harmonies, jangling guitars, and catchy hooks. With lyrics both introspective and explorative, their themes of the struggles of young adulthood resonated well with the crowd – who were filled with contagious energy. They sailed through songs from the 2020 album Jump Rope Gazers among other brilliant new work, solidifying their musicianship as a tightly crafted band on the circuit. 

The Backseat Lovers

Earning the glowing album review late last year from NME as a “life-affirming alt-rock meant for the world stage” – it’s easy to see how The Backseat Lovers delivered an emotionally charged performance, creating – despite the vast industrial venue – an intimate atmosphere, making the audience feel like they were hanging out with their old friends from Utah. With intricately woven guitar anthems and pure love of songcraft obvious, the crowd swooned for some backseat loving.

Harvey Sutherland

The versatile producer and DJ from Melbourne brought his unique brand of funk synthesist crate-digging vibes to the bubbling electronic fans of the festival. Sutherland – AKA Mike Katz created an electrifying show perfectly blending joy and emotion, and showcasing once more his irresistible grooves and clever lyrics. 

Julia Jacklin

With songs effortlessly blending elements of country music with heartfelt ballads, Jacklin’s unique vocals made for a mesmerising experience, and a perfect example of the versatility and beauty of the indie genre, with artists and audience drawn to sharing vulnerability of personal experiences whilst still lighting up the festival stage.

Knucks

Giving an electrifying performance, London grown Knucks (Ashley Afamefuna Nwachukwu) stepped on stage with his iconic golden grill, shifting the energy in the room to a new level. Buzzing with excitement as Knucks paced back and forth, the rapper and producer showed us why his album “Alpha Place” means business. From grassroots to global tours with relatability in the music, his unique chill drill absorbs diverse crowds in ways that many rappers just couldn’t imagine. 

Slowthai

Slowthai’s mish mash of genres went down an utter treat, immediately revelling in a back and forth ‘c*nt’ call-and-echoe with the crowd, the British musician never fails to distinguish himself from any line up. Displaying a unique, raw sound that blends the early days of Grime with the attitude of punk, this mind bending music takes you on a journey that moves through leaving you all kinds of amped. 

100 Gecs

Like a digital art project, the gecs sum up hyperpop culture chaos, and make you feel like when you’ve started saying a phrase ironically, but then it legitimately becomes part of your vocabulary. Far from their once meme madness reputation, Laura Les and Dylan Brady can absolutely pull in a festival audience, who safe to say were absolutely vibing hard to the nintendo-synthcore-dubstep-ska-style-trance with distorted vocals – making it truly enjoyable post-genre experimentalism!

Phoebe Bridgers

The singer-songwriter known for her introspective lyrics and haunting melodies came out to ‘Down with the Sickness.’ With the band’s drum kit sporting black-metal stickers and herself strumming a metal style electric guitar, the singer looked poised for punk rock but sang true to her blend of folk, alternative, and indie. Drawing a tearful crowd of die hard fans, it’s clear to see how a Grammy under her belt and growing reputation as one of the most exciting artists of her generation proceeds down under. 

Fontaines DC

Known for their abrasive and energetic live performances, the Boys in the Better Land didn’t disappoint, fusing their post-punk and punk rock influences with their lyrics of class struggle, existentialism, and Irish culture, we were treated to the signature rapid-fire spoken-word by Chatten in the industrial warehouse stage. The perfect backdrop for arguably one of the most important bands of alternative music today, their ability to capture the energy and spirit of the crowd whilst making you feel like you’re learning is a feeling that draws new fans in the masses with each live performance.

Words by Chloe Davis-Powell. Photos by Adam Davis-Powell.