RHYTHM AND VINES 2007 REVIEW:

It rained again, and again it was just alright with me. Alright as in okay. Drawing in the vicinity of twenty thousand people this year made rhythm and vines once again a party for the people.

A range of national and international acts, along with a variety of side attractions, like a bar and a Saint Johns fuck out area, makes rhythm and vines one of the better destinations that you won’t remember. All set in the Waiohika estate in Gisborne. After passing some seemingly more intense security this year, the timetable beckoned as it was full of interesting people from start to finish.

I hadn’t seen The Electric Confectionaires play since last years gig on the same stage, and impressions were better than the year before. Even though they are all talented musicians in their own rights, the front man needs to get his fro back or learn better solos because now he comes across as a swanky wannabe instead of a Hendrix apprentice. Youth is against them in this case.

The checks fired up the main stage after a misplaced Hollie Smith set, and were a whole lot better than The Mint Chicks, who dripped their own swank all over the floor. A play on words. Maybe it is time to head overseas. Bluesy, garage rock with attitude was the perfect mid afternoon revival for those stuck in the seemingly never ending chicken burger line.

Charlie Ash aren’t very good.

After Charlie Rash, the critically acclaimed New Young Pony Club, descending from the UK, took to the small stage with evident following. Energy to burn that lot. Encoring with ‘The Bomb’ was, in their words, the five minutes that sent me on my way and set everyone up for the crazy times to come. Superb set list architecture made this attractive/electronic/pop band my pre midnight highlight.

This year the chill out zone was packed with tents (which are a great idea by the way), and yeah…tents. Riveting. The build up to midnight was slightly less impressive this year with Ddub, but it did give everybody an opportunity to chill out before the final count down, which was irrelevant and unidentified in the chill out zone. Any who, the fireworks were amazing, and although things seemed a little disorientated they were massive and fitting for the fifth year celebration. A definitive moment for the change to the impending events. The event management was good, and the opening ceremony and midnight shows were pleasing, but this year there seemed to be a distinct lack of someone who owned the whole thing. A good MC who conducted a proper countdown and hyped everything up would’ve been beneficial. Maybe next year, but don’t even think about putting MC and Clarke Gayford in the same sentence.

To add to the wide variety of entertainment was State of Mind and Concord Dawn consecutively. Providing all the D n B that the hyped up youths needed. With a combined set of about four hours, the only people left standing were the tea drinkers who danced it right out to the closing of the vines stage. A common sort of torture. The highlight of Rhythm and Vines would definitely be the long sets of toe tappingly good beats which buzzed on as long as we did.

So, next year, go. Take a tent, load your awop right up before you get too fucked up and loose it, and stay right until the dawn raid. If you don’t, you’re lame. The countries largest and most publicised new years celebration is just that for obvious reasons. The colony shall grow. Reap it.

- Craig Johnson

Rhythm & Vines is the premier New Zealand music festival held at Waiohika Estate, Gisborne on New Year's Eve. Celebrating the 5th Year Anniversary this year RV007 promises to be yet another HOT New Year's party! The festival is set over 4 stages with over 30 acts confirmed to attend the festival. Additional entertainment including a mind blowing midnight show, a waterslide and hammocks can be enjoyed with your friends!
 
Tickets sell out every year so it's advised to get your tickets now. Purchase now via our website or go to www.ticketmaster.co.nz.
 
Make the decision to go to RV007 because you won't regret the ultimate experience!

For more information check out the official website at www.rhythmandvines.co.nz

Rhythm & Vines full lineup:

New Young Pony Club (UK)
M.A.N.D.Y. (Germany)
DJ T (Germany)
Blue King Brown (AUS)
Hollie Smith
Scribe
Concord Dawn
The Mint Chicks
The Checks
dDub
Jakob
Don McGlashan and the Seven Sisters
The Tutts
Die! Die! Die!
Dick Johnson
Aural Trash (Greg Churchill & Angela Fiskin)
Cyril Orson
DJ Philippa
Charlie Ash
State Of Mind feat MC Twincam
Motocade
The Have
The Electric Confectionaires
North Shore Pony Club
Blackbird
Tropical Downbeat Orchestra
BrazilBeat Sound System
Ben Throp Trio
Skankamelia
An Emerald City
Public Access (Ben Wah & Thomas Sahs)
DJ Automatic & Rik Blake