Mar 31

Mar 31 LIVE REVIEW: The sweet soiree that is Wine Machine 2019

You may have heard about it through the grapevine, or seen its millions of Instagram stories, but Wine Machine is a unique day you have to experience for yourself.

As one of Perth’s most anticipated festivals, the Wine Machine tour had circled around Australia before landing at Oakover Grounds in Swan Valley for a day of partying. With plenty of wine to go around, an epic all-Australian line-up and a luscious winery-based setting, there was much to look forward to.

Upon arrival, there were plenty of ideal photo-taking opportunities by the sparkling pond and around the event with decorative signs, swings and flower crowns galore — which did famously with punters hoping to capture the joviality of the day. Other activations such as the pedal boats, amusement rides, pristine resting areas and the castle-like Chateau area were also part of the set-up to add to the fun.

If you had come to for the voracious electronic acts, you’d have no time for hesitation. Easing everyone into the groove in the early sunshine-filled afternoon were Falcona DJs, Happiness Is Wealth and former triple j host Alex ‘Ratdog’ Dyson spinning the decks. After a vocal feast from GRAACE who poured her heart out with songs from her Self Sabotage EP, effervescent duo Kinder picked up the pace with their sisterly energy and addictive bass house. Above all, their single ‘Something More’ lived up to its name, leaving everyone with a thirst for more.

Picking up the bill was the enigmatic Confidence Man, who were up next to help everyone kick on with their powerhouse dance moves. Their breakthrough tracks ‘Better Sit Down Boy’ and ‘Don’t You Know I’m In A Band’ had punters going to all new levels of crazy for the zany, theatrical pair. Bowing down, they kissed everyone goodbye before parading off.

As the sun began to set, Hayden James opened with ‘Numb’ to entice us into some harder dancing. Having been in Perth for his headline tour last year and Origin Fields just a few months ago, he looked as ecstatic as ever to be back and playing for his lively fans. Bouncier tracks like ‘Something About You’ and ‘Better Together’ were amongst those best received in his set, while the emotive ‘Permission to Love’ lingered and had everyone swaying well into the interlude before The Presets.

Comparable to their Ice Cream Factory Summer Festival set last December, The Presets brought the house down with their signature songs, ‘My People’ and ‘Martini’. Going down like a good glass of Shiraz, The Presets were positively powerful and full-bodied in their live performance, much to the wild enjoyment of their listeners.

Of course, those who fancied a more easy-paced evening were not forgotten. By night, one could choose to escape from the crowd and wander around the illuminated venue, wine bars and art installations. A picturesque ride on the ferris wheel was also a fabulous choice, as it offered views of the vibrant festival and surrounding vineyards.

As per tradition, Hot Dub Time Machine rode with us through the decades, starting from the 50s. With many an airhorn, they played proper classics from revered bands such as ABBA, Fleetwood Mac and Queen. It was a nostalgic trip for the first hour until it tended towards the early 2000s — with Darude’s ‘Sandstorm’, Smash Mouth’s ‘All Star’ and Daft Punk’s ‘One More Time’ getting all the attention they deserved.

More modern electronic favourites from Flume, RÜFÜS DU SOL, Fisher and Duke Dumont took over with a splash of Kendrick Lamar, signalling the height of bangers within the set. In a marvellous finale, Alex Dyson reappeared on stage to help the boys usher in the end of the evening. Of course, the team had to go all out with fireworks and confetti.