By the time I reached the racecourse grounds after a long drive back from Sydney, I had just missed the Cassette Kids’ set. I did however catch the electro pop group surrounded by new groupie fans, all getting photos and autographs. Judging by their new-found supporters it seemed I missed another good performance.

The day was mild, overcast and threatening rain in a repeat performance of last year’s event. The Basics’ crowd was and smallish, and though I thought a lot more people would be here by now it was a nice and relaxed start. I grabbed a beer and a Breezer and followed the trend, sitting in circle with my mates and letting The Basic’s With This Ship and other melodic tunes drift over our conversations.

After getting my bearings during the set change between The Basics and Drapht, I headed main stage wards prepared for the first hip hop act of the day. After a comprehensive sound check Drapht busted on with Optimus from Downsyde (and Downsyde’s drummer and bassist too). Drapht played all the favourites, including Drink Drank Drunk and Where You From? and Downsyde track Someday. They ad libbed, including the crowd and other acts, getting everyone well and truly amped. Drapht finished his energetic set with Jimmy Recard safely behind the menacing row of security- all looking ready for whatever the music drove a frenzied mosh pit to.

Although the clouds had not yet cleared, I was stressing about sunburn, and thanks to the Red Cross crew who were running around with spray bottles to cool the crowd I got directions to their sunscreen and water laden tent.

My tummy was rumbling before Hercules in New York began and I was pleasantly surprised by the array of reasonably priced food on offer. After going Asian curry puffs and noodles I tried to figure out where the Hercules in NY boys were playing. After spinning myself and the map around several times I asked for directions- the stereotypical female… * sigh *. I had hoped these guys would have drawn a bigger crowd to start off with but they rocked out regardless, undeterred by the thirty or so punters. Starting with a N.E.R.D sample followed by upbeat vocals and instrumentals they mustered a steadily growing crowd. Those seated did not remain so for long and I held my breath as one punter did a back flip on the concrete before the stage.

After a tip from a friend I checked out Miami Horror on the indoor stage and thoroughly enjoyed the skillfully layered electro pop that graced my ears. The boys all got into the music as much as their guitars, drums and keyboards allowed. Their enthusiasm for their songs gave their vocals that rougher live edge that we all came to see- no Britney-like lip synching here!

An extended version of Shadows by Midnight Juggernauts was a highlight for me and the crowd, as the lights and smoke machines really came into effect, showering the raised hands with light. After taking a quick break I stood up from the dry and dusty grass, flicking off the dirt as I did so, to join those opening up their hearts and clapping to their Dystopia material and some tracks from their upcoming album This New Technology

And the closer; The Hilltop Hoods. No matter how many times I see these guys I will never pass up an opportunity to watch them again. Their energy alone and love for their tracks and the crowd seem to draw punters in their direction. Their familiar State of the Art tracks were belted out to great affect over the bursting audience despite the technical difficulties with one of the screens. Once the pair had finished their set, including staple crowd pleaser Nose Bleed Section, they exited stage right. Well they tried to- the crowd would not let them go and after a brief break they returned, backs to the crowd in black hooded jackets that flashed ‘Hill-Toppa’ in neon. Needless to say, the crowd went ape poop and then… Trackside was over- but only for another 365 days!