Spilling down the rolling lawns of Callan Park, out the front of the Sydney College of the Arts, Laneawy festival brought its diverse line-up of international and local acts to Sydney last Sunday, February 3. Taking place in that interim period where any temperature under twenty degrees seems like a distant memory, and with a hot February stretching on ahead, Laneway is emblematic of the summer festival experience.

Keeping things hot this year was Chicago funk and hip hop rising star Smino, who’s energetic set got bodies moving as the sun beat down. Middle Kids continued the warm vibes with their tripartite energy, with Skeggs doubling the holy trinity.

With the afternoon stretching on, Laneway attendees explored the sandstone blocks of the former Callan Park hospital where shaded respite was offered and smaller stages sponsored by Doc Martens and curated by Future Classic kept people moving. Laneway’s focus on supporting emerging or new sounds, in the context of some of the leading bands of the moment could be felt here, as acts such as seminal punk rockers The Smith Street Band traded places with Jamaican-American multi-instrumentalist Masego.

There was one clear crowd favourite, however. Incredibly successful rock outfit Gang of Youths were wildly welcomed by a home-town crowd and led from the Park Stage in the headliner slot. Taking things home was Crooked Colours and UK producer Jon Hopkins to round off what was a warm, sundrenched Laneway.