Thrashville ‘23

Thrashville - a one of a kind, music camping festival where punk, hard rock/metal genres and culture collide. Dashville, located in Lower Belford returned in 2023 playing host from September 8th- 9th, drawing upon anyone looking for something, well, slightly heavier.

Day 2 kicked off under stellar Hunter Valley weather for Thrashville’s main event. Local bands dominated the day, Newcastle based Doris heating the central stage with an eclectic mix of organs, brass and Indie grunge. Doris took us on an escalating experimental journey of soft melodic undertones and big noisy guitars, paying homage to the 90’s alternative scene.

Local Heavy rock architectures, Wayward Kings followed on from Doris with a punching old school grunge sound, kick starting motion in the bush surrounded arena. The four-piece act was laced with sick guitar and bass licks, motored by rhythmic drums and held together by the melodic vocals of lead singer Ryan Patrick Daley. The setlist included tracks such as ‘King of Nothing’, ‘Burn Down the Gods’ and ‘Human Nature’. Fans privy to the performance were rewarded as merch was swung high into the crowd toward the end of the set.

Local deathcore metal band Telurian continued the Newcastle Music affair with a stage onslaught of heaviness in all its magnificence. Catching up for a quick chat following the set, their approachability and humility was a stark contrast to the brooding dark metal preceding the encounter.

Skateboard demonstrations in Dashville’s residency skate park proved a drawcard for patrons wanting something more physical. Down by the main stage, the team, courtesy of Sky High Productions delivered a live Graffiti Wall capturing the attention of the thronging spectators. Purely a work of art and talent from the Blue Mountains crew, Kenny and Dom.

Thrashville kindled a love affair when Sydney’s Downgirl took to the stage, boasting in searing personality and an angst filled driving sound, reminiscent of a post punk indie rock revival. Oozing with sex appeal, the all ladies band rocked the stage to a throng of patrons heaving in hefty agreeance and wolf whistling for more. Downgirl produced a performance which could be revered as one of the best in execution on the day.

Warming the centre of the main arena after dusk was a display of fire twirling, angle grinding, spark flying dancers who captivated the undivided attention of event visitors, basking in the brisk night air. The ladies of the night warmed the massing crowd for what was to follow.

A multi-generational audience gathered for Saturday headliners COG, turning it on and up in the early evening to a throng of thrashvillians waiting in easy anticipation. Carefully curating an escalating stage set of progressive rock to post-punk noise, COG have proved their continued relevance after 25 years in the industry as one of Australia’s proudest exports.

Thrashville was candescent of a post 90’s indie grunge revival, carefully administered by event organisers to deliver an experience of music and creative culture in a rural setting. Dashville have done it yet again, proving their ability at diversification for differing sub-cultures and generations.

By Pieta Clarke

Photos by Mark Stevens

Photo Gallery https://musicfestivalsaustralia.com/new-blog/thrashville