Words by Hudson Reed.

Nestled amidst the lively beats and electrifying performances, Ocean Alley brought a day of musical euphoria to Wollongong on March 31st, 2024.

With a lineup promising diverse talents and genres, anticipation buzzed in the air as attendees geared up for a day filled with melodies and memories. Unfortunately, I arrived late due to transportation troubles and only caught the tail end of Ah Honey. They were great, despite the thin crowd at 1.30pm, and helped get the party started for the rest.

Le Shiv set the stage alight with infectious tunes, building the energy for the day ahead. Their performance, characterised by unrestrained passion and heavy bass notes, captivated the audience, creating an entrancing atmosphere until a sudden heavy break added an unexpected twist.

Following suit, Stumps delivered good vibes and a raw, energetic performance, debuting new songs from their record Cyanide before igniting the crowd with tracks such as Turncoat Theory. Their impromptu acoustic session injected an element of wild spontaneity into the set, leaving a lasting impression on all who witnessed it.

With a chant of "Hey Baby" echoing through the venue, The Buoys burst onto the stage, exuding great energy and a rebellious spirit. Speeding through their setlist with gusto, they concluded with a defiant message, sending a resounding "fuck you" to any 'shitty managers' out there, particularly those named Linda (sorry to Linda’s around the world.

Keeping the momentum going, Dear Seattle delivered a high-octane performance that had the crowd romping from the get-go. Their throwback sound to that of 2000s rock vibes, coupled with a heartfelt rendition of Missy Higgins' Special Two, from Triple J’s Like A Version struck a chord with the audience, who sang along with unabashed passion.

Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers continued the trend of electrifying energy, channeling rock elements and catchy guitar riffs that reverberated through the air. Their cover of Billie Eilish's Happier Than Ever mashed up with Paramore's All I Wanted, showcased their versatility and left the crowd craving more.

Then with a flair for the dramatic, The Terrys commanded the stage in a flurry of beachy, rock tunes and infectious energy. From donning dresses to inciting a disco frenzy, their performance was a joyous spectacle that left no room for silent contemplation.

Stealing the show with boundless energy, Pacific Avenue unleashed a torrent of groovy tunes that had the entire crowd jumping in unison. Their spirited performance, complete with standing on speakers and engaging the crowd in sing-alongs, ensured that every moment was unforgettable.

Last but not least, closing out the night, Ocean Alley delivered a stellar performance despite technical difficulties, proving that their music transcends any need for lights. From knee-slapping rhythms to infectious melodies, their set was a fitting climax to a day filled with musical magic. I have seen this band too many times to count and they had such a brilliant passion for what they bring. Here’s to many more gigs from the boys, and one day me owning a hoodie from their merch stand.

In a whirlwind of melodies and moments, Ocean Alley delivered a day of pure musical bliss. From the raw energy of emerging talents to the polished performances of established favourites, each act brought something unique to the table, leaving an indelible mark on all who were fortunate enough to be part of the experience. Was totally worth the trip down, and would do it again.