Review: Lookout Festival at Whitfords Nodes Park

Lookout Festival at Whitfords Nodes Park
Saturday, April 20, 2024

Whitford Nodes Park in Hillarys marked the grand finale of Lookout Festival on Saturday, and the atmosphere was suitably electric. With 8,500 eager attendees and more pouring in, it was evident that the festival had struck a chord with music lovers across Australia. In a time where we've sadly witnessed the loss of many festivals, the emergence of Lookout Festival is a beacon of hope, highlighting the importance of supporting such festivals.

Iconic South Australian rockers The Superjesus kicked off the festivities with a dynamic performance that set the bar high for the day. With Sarah McLeod's mesmerising vocals leading the charge, the crowd was treated to a nostalgic journey through hits like Shut My Eyes, Money and Gravity, with many singalong moments shared throughout. McLeod leapt off the drum kit to end their set, a memorable finale to a solid performance from the Aussie legends.

Next up, local Fremantle favourites Eskimo Joe took the stage by storm, entering to the sounds of the iconic Star Wars theme. Their infectious energy and catchy tunes, including crowd favourites like Foreign Land and the brand-new The First Time, kept the audience on their feet and craving more. From the opening chords of Sarah to the crowd-pleasing New York, the band kept the energy high. 

Frontman Temperley's engaging banter and anecdotes added a personal touch to the set, particularly when reminiscing about the band's humble beginnings in Fremantle. As they transitioned seamlessly from hits like Black Fingernails, Red Wine to the cherished early single Sweater, it was evident that Eskimo Joe's connection with their fans ran deep.

Perth's own Birds of Tokyo continued the momentum with an electrifying set that resonated with the crowd. From the anthemic Plans to the heartfelt Two of Us and their track celebrating strong women, Lion, every song was met with thunderous applause. The crowd's enthusiastic response, singing along word for word, underscored the band's undeniable connection with their audience. Birds of Tokyo's set was a masterclass in rock performance, punctuated by unexpected delights like a snippet of Eye of the Tiger and a heartwarming rendition of Lanterns as the sun set.

American rock titans Incubus took the stage, igniting the crowd with their eclectic blend of sounds. Brandon Boyd’s magnetic charisma and boundless energy were infectious as he led the band through a nostalgic journey of hits and covers. From the hypnotic groove of Quicksand to the soulful rendition of Portishead’s Glory Box, every moment was a testament to Incubus’ musical genius and understanding of their audience.

With the addition of diverse instruments such as didgeridoo, djembe, sitar, and bongo drums, Incubus really stepped up by mixing in some new elements to their already well-loved sound and pulled it off seamlessly.

The stage came alive with a kaleidoscope of lights and sounds, further bringing the nostalgia with the early 2000s-style visuals and enhanced by DJ Kilmore’s seamless mixes. It was a sonic feast for the senses, culminating in a euphoric finale with Drive and Wish You Were Here, leaving the crowd in raptures.

As the festival drew to a close with a spectacular performance by '90s rockers Live, the air was charged with nostalgia and camaraderie. Ed Kowalczyk's soulful vocals and the band's timeless hits brought the crowd together in a euphoric celebration of music and memories. 

Delivering hit after hit with unmatched energy and enthusiasm, from Hold Me Up and I Alone to the absolute classics Lightning Crashes and The Dolphin’s Cry, every song felt like a trip down memory lane, evoking a sense of nostalgia and camaraderie among the audience. It was friendly, it was familiar, it was nostalgic, it was all round good vibes, and a fitting end to an unforgettable festival experience.

Lookout Festival was more than just a music event—it was a celebration of resilience, unity, and the power of live music to bring people together. With unforgettable performances and a vibrant atmosphere, it left us eagerly awaiting its return.

LIANA KELLY

Photos by Stu McKay