One of the interesting discoveries of this year is how simplified our lives could become. Eat, sleep, work, exercise, repeat. One of the major reasons our lives were less busy was the absence of the pressures of going out (usually in the evening). Most of us lost the company of strangers that comes with admiring music, art, film, and performance.

With the easing of restrictions in WA, we have been blessed to fill our calendars with the ubiquity of live music leading into summer. Phase 4 restrictions have allowed some activity via live, original, local music which is in high demand.

With that said, In The Pines 2020 benefitted from widespread approval with a sell-out, barefoot crowd at the Somerville Auditorium. This was an event worth breaking ‘isolation’ for and set a blueprint for local bands selling out their shows.

Crowds of all ages were in high spirits and flocked to Somerville early for a picnic to catch Hi, Ok Sorry, the high pitched punk of Paranoias, and smooth rap of MissGenius. Cuss and New Nausea both provided poetic sets which drew larger crowds in the afternoon.

But things really started heating up when Adrian Dzvuke and his suave ensemble hit the stage. The sell-out crowds got (and stayed) on their feet for dirty blues groovers Datura 4 who recently emerged from lockdown with their new release ‘West Coast Highway Cosmic’. Frontman Dom Mariani sure knows how to command a crowd, six hours into a long day!

After a quick dinner break, we gravitated towards local legends Grievous Bodily Calm. Each member being so uniquely talented in their own right came together for an inimitable set of old and new tracks including ‘Mosaic’. As it seemed, Grievous Bodily Calm was a festival highlight for many people.

Following closely behind was the high worldly energy of Soukouss Internationale. Frontman Queency and his lovely dancing partners raised the bar and brought the entire amphitheatre to a stand.

Demon Days were even bigger and better with lush string sections, complex, punchy horns and indulgent synth tones and melodies. The band showcased plenty of old-school jazz imaginings in their somewhat emotional, last ever live performance!

With a diverse bill of 20 of WA’s finest artists, In The Pines continues to offer something for everyone. This spectacular gathering of the state’s finest bands and people was truly one to remember.