Laneway Singapore 2018: Top 8 moments

Music festivals are a dime a dozen these days, but there’s just something special about Laneway. I should know — I’ve been going to the Singapore edition of the Australian indie music festival for seven of its eight years of existence.

This year, organizers upped their game, presenting an impressive mix of established veterans and up-and-comers that satisfied more than 10,000 music fans who made the trek to the Meadow at Gardens by The Bay.

Tech giant Uber was a major partner, introducing a few firsts that visibly heightened the enjoyment level for festival-goers, including a delivery service within the venue. Plus, the weather cooperated, unlike last year, when nonstop showers turned Laneway into “Rainway.”

Here are my picks for the highlights of Laneway Singapore 2018, in random order:

1. The Ransom Collective make the PHL proud

The indie folk-pop six-piece ran into some technical trouble at the start, but recovered quickly to deliver a fun, energetic set. Just like when compatriots Cheats represented the Philippines in Laneway 2016, TRC’s presence on the mainstage was a proud moment for the Pinoys in the audience. It helped that the band’s family and friends were there to lend support. They even carried gigantic pictures of the band members’ heads and waved them around in time with the songs.

“It’s always been a dream of ours to get here, so when we finally got invited, we were like, ‘Really?! Are you sure?!’ said guitarist and lead vocalist Kian Ransom. “But it feels like the timing’s right and we’re ready to prove that we belong here.” That they did.

2.Slowdive reunite

Backstage before their set, the members of Slowdive said it wasn’t hard to say yes when they got the invitation to play at Laneway. Despite having been a band since the late 1980s, the English band said they were still easing back into playing together again live after their 20-year-break. But during their set, I heard none of the caution and uncertainty, showing the younger acts a thing or two about musicality and stage presence.

3. Mac DeMarco’s triumphant return

The Canadian singer-songwriter first graced the Laneway stage in 2015 and it didn’t seem like he’s lost any of his charm and wit. This time, even more fans crowded around the Bay stage to hear his songs and witness his childish antics. At one point he sang “Happy Birthday” to a fan in the audience and blared “Under the Bridge” by the Red Hot Chili Peppers. He was a definite crowd-pleaser.

4.  Two thumbs up for Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever

Part of the thrill of Laneway is discovering new artists you would have never encountered otherwise. This year’s big discovery is Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever, an Australian five-piece with a sunny, indie rock sound and hints of '90s alternative. I hadn’t intended on catching their set, but I had to pause and listen more intently while they were playing even if I was on the other end of the field.

5. The Internet’s got it

Another second-timer on the Laneway stage is American soul outfit The Internet. I failed to catch their set then as I was busy doing an interview, but this time, I made sure to enjoy vocalist’s Syd impossibly smooth vocals. Judging by the massive wall of people that crowded around the Garden stage, it seems they picked up a whole lotta new fans since their debut.

 

6. Anderson .Paak kills it
The anticipation for Anderson .Paak was so intense people erupted into cheers at the slightest movement on the Garden Stage minutes before his set. Along with his band the Free Nationals, the hip-hop/rap/R&B artist oiled up the crowd with uptempo beats that kept the crowd moving even if the festival was approaching the eight-hour mark. I liked that he moved around onstage and even did a few, ahem, “stripper moves” with the microphone, and sampled R Kelly’s “Ignition” in one of his songs.

7. The Triumph of Father John Misty
On hindsight, the music of Father John Misty — slow, somber, brooding — might be better contained in a smaller, intimate space, but somehow, Josh Tillman (FJM”s real name) made it work. Wearing a loose white shirt and loose trousers, the singer-songwriter channeled the troubadours of 60s and 70s as he serenaded a captivated audience. On his big finale, “I love you, honeybear,” he paced the stage, used the mic stand as a baton, raised his arms up to the sky and fell down to his knees. It was one of the best performances of the evening.

8. The War On Drugs capped off a stellar night

 

At Laneway, as in most other music festivals, the final act is often reserved for the biggest name. This year, that honor went to The War on Drugs. The Grammy-winning group kept it simple and straightforward, serving the audience with their brand of snappy, introspective indie rock. The lighting switched from eye-popping red to somber blue to intense white, further adding to the celebratory mood. It was a great way to cap off Laneway 2018. — LA, GMA News

Paul John Caña is a writer and live music geek. Check out his blog manontheotherside.blogspot.com. Email him at pjcana@gmail.com or follow him on Twitter and Instagram @pauljohncana