Closing out the monumental week of SXSW Sydney, Fest X Inner West transformed Enmore Road into a live music playground, offering a full day of free gigs across some of the area’s most iconic venues. From midday to late, we dove into an absolute whirlwind of performances, splitting time between the three stages at Factory Theatre and the grand Enmore Theatre.
Things kicked off at Factory Theatre around midday, where each stage pumped out back-to-back performances. First up was Grxce, the Eora/Sydney-based grunge-pop band we’ve been following for a while. They delivered a gritty, melodic set that balanced a fierce edge with catchy, pop-inflected hooks. Just as tasty live as you could ever hope for.
Then came Coldwave, my new favourite post-punk band hailing from Kaurna/Adelaide. Their moody, atmospheric sound had the crowd in a trance, even so early in the day, with dark, driving basslines and poetic lyrical flow creating a space that felt tense, only to be broken by expertly placed trumpet solos.
Following that, Zion Garcia brought a laid-back, groove-filled vibe with his blend of smooth vocals and jazz-inflected rhythms. His performance had the crowd swaying, building a chilled-out atmosphere on the outside stage amidst the growing energy bubbling around the venue.
A. Swayze & The Ghosts exploded onto the stage next, injecting a wild burst of punk rock that jolted the Factory crowd awake. They are unfiltered and intense, our own Arun Kendall describing them as “undeniably one of Tasmanian’s finest exports“, they owned every second, with Swayze’s unrelenting energy commanding attention. From start to finish, it was a thrashing, no-holds-barred set as they presented the audience with fan-faves amongst new singles ahead of their upcoming album release (Read more here).
Local collective Bread Club brought a completely different flavour with their genre-bending fusion of indie and alt-pop. Their chemistry was so wholesome, each song playful yet lyrically sharp, leaving the crowd smiling at their quirky charm.
Not long after, Devaura captivated with her powerful vocals despite losing her voice in the final days of SXSW. She carried a cinematic quality in her sound, with a full band accompanying her on stage, making for a sweeping experience.
Haley Holgate followed, switching gears once again. Her set was a delicate blend of folk and indie-pop, each song carried by her emotive storytelling and intricate guitar work. There was a quiet confidence to her performance, and she brought a touch of intimacy to the day.
Then came O., a set that was as curious as it was captivating. With nothing but a sax, drums, and some looping gear, O. created a jazzy soundscape that felt experimental and so fun. Watching artists fully immersed in their craft is always captivating.
Fresh off the release of her debut album ‘Zorb’ in August, Sycco kept the energy high with her infectious alt-pop vibe. Her set was a whirlwind blending pop with psychedelic touches. Sycco’s effortless cool kept the crowd hooked from start to finish.
Total Tommy brought a cheeky, rambunctious energy to the stage next, blending grungey pop-punk sensibilities with a youthful edge. Their set was a fun, spirited ride, full of pop-punk mischief and lined with adoring fans.
Wrapping up my time at Factory was the powerful Enny, who delivered a captivating performance. Her lyrical prowess and smooth, effortless delivery had the crowd completely in her thrall.
After the dynamic showcases at Factory Theatre, I rushed over to Enmore Theatre to catch the final headliners of the night. First up was Sunscreen, who delivered a hazy, dream-like set that felt perfect for the grandeur of the Enmore.
Next on stage was The Buoys, bringing their brand of no-nonsense, garage rock energy. Their gritty, punchy tracks were a force to be reckoned with, and the crowd responded with unbridled enthusiasm. They’ve cemented themselves as one of Eora/Sydney’s most exciting live acts, and their Enmore set proved exactly why.
Closing out my night was none other than Middle Kids, whose anthemic indie-rock filled the grand theatre. Every note felt massive, their songs swelling with emotion and intensity. It was the perfect high to end on, capping off what had been an unforgettable day.
Fest X Inner West was the ideal finale for SXSW Sydney, a true celebration of the vibrancy of the Australian music scene.
