Peats Ridge

The first release of artists for this years Peats Ridge Festival has me excited. Here's some thoughts/links what have you about some of the artists:

Astronomy Class: Ozi Batla's (of The Herd) side-project. While I haven't heard much of the new album, their album Exit Strategy is a breezy blend of reggae and hip hop. Ozi Batla's stage presence is always amazing, and he'll no doubt be joined on stage by fellow Elefant Traks artist The Tongue. Good times assured.

Blue King Brown: at times I find their political message a touch over-bearing, but Blue King Brown certainly make good music. Equal parts reggae, afro-beat and funk, with just a hint of hip hop, they've always got me dancing in the past.

Circle of Rhythm: when it comes to whacking stuff, these guys are without peers. Bobby Singh and Ben Walsh also play together in The Bird.

Declan Kelly and The Rising Sun: reggae with a little bit of afro-beat. Last years festival saw Kelly joined onstage by Afro Moses - a highlight of the festival for mine.

Deep Street Soul: last years discovery of the festival. Signed to Freestyle Records, they play deep funk in the New Mastersounds/Meters vein. Seriously, unbelievably, utterly dope.

Deepchild: while he's moved away from the beepy-bleepy dub styles that originally attracted me to his music, the deephouse/minimal/techno that he makes now is equally good. One of Australia's least recognised producers. My review of his latest album "Departure" is here.

Harmonic 313: Mark Pritchard has about a million different aliases that span just about all genres of EDM. Harmonic 313 is his dubstep persona, and it's proper heavy business. Steve Spacek lends his voice to the project too - what's not to like?

The Bird: electronic music propelled by the outstanding percussive talents of Ben Walsh. Pure and utter radness hovering somewhere between d'n'b, dub and indian bhangra. Re-Inventions review.

The Nomad: downbeat electronica heavily informed by dub styles. Originally from NZ, now based in Melbourne (I believe). Choice eh, bro? Selected Works review.

Tiajuana Cartel: another band discovered at last years festival. Bits and pieces of world music and good times.

No doubt there'll be more artists to come, but the line-up is already looking pretty damn tasty. Here's hoping the organisers can improve the sound on the main-stage this year...