…Continued from Volumes 2016: Day 1
The second day of Volumes not only began four hours earlier than Day 1, but it opened up three new rooms across two venues. We began back in the Gallery with Solid Effort and Orb.
Orb
Meanwhile, the OAF main stage was also kicking off, with Good Boy and Rolling Blackouts CF getting the crowd in the mood for a big night ahead.
Good Boy
Rolling Blackouts CF
Brighton Up Bar hosted an outstanding demonstration of the very best that Australian garage and indie has to offer, including Darts, Summer Flake, You Beauty and Scott & Charlene’s Wedding, pictured below.
Wax Witches
Nicholas Allbrook was the highlight of my weekend. It was the first time I’ve finally managed to catch his solo act, and it was everything I could’ve hoped for. Weird as hell, enhanced by wild eyes, distorted facial expressions and spindly jerks of limbs, Allbrook’s one-man show is a performance to behold. He looks a bit like his mind is in a different room, but his guitar is completely on point and his voice is unarmed and brilliant. And let’s be real – anyone who can use a flute both as an instrument as a cane to point and dance with, is doing a good job at live performance.
Mossy
Slum Sociable
Volumes is a really wonderful addition to Sydney’s nightlife, which has been dwindling for so long now. Between the buzzing, bustling audience and the huge variety of artists on display, there was a wonderful atmosphere throughout.
Despite being held across a number of venues, the weekend felt so easy to navigate. On the first night punters were given stamps, and the access was upgraded to plastic wristbands from Saturday afternoon. Each venue had its own feel, from the tropical vibes and minuscule dance floor in Cliff Dive, to the crooked cosiness of the tiny Brighton Up Bar from the sweaty rooms of Oxford Art Factory to the beat-centric Burdekin. The audience were in great spirits and the whole process seemed to run really smoothly. Multi-venue events aren’t easy to pull off, but when they’re done well, they’re done really well. Volumes 2016 was a wonderful weekend event, we can only hope for plenty more like it.
Photos: Danielle Hansen / Howl & Echoes