Grimelda – Green Door Store
Rednecks in dresses with leopard print socks playing fast silly noisy thrash punk? Yes please. “This one’s a Christian rock song” Canadians Grimelda rule. The drummer fills his mouth with water and gargles a song. Actual genius. Then the mic is handed out. “Sing along. You know this one”. We find ourselves doing our best Sepultura scream, before the drummer hands out party whistles to the entire crowd and we all play along. (NM)

Headmix Collective – Daltons
There was a time in the 90s were headmix were the sound of Reclaim the Streets, free festivals and the green fields. Making a welcome break from the punk playing to a packed Daltons it is great to see them back with their dubby folk groove and memories of wild times. (NM)

She’s Got Brass – Daltons
She’s Got Brass, a ten-piece all-female brass band, brought the heat to Dalton’s with an energetic and unforgettable performance. Dressed in matching baseball shirts with their names, they exuded team spirit and fun. The band played a mix of original songs and creative covers, each infused with infectious grooves and big brass sound that had the crowd dancing and grinning from start to finish. The intimate venue barely fit them on stage, but their music filled every inch of the space. From the first note, the energy was electric, and the crowd couldn’t help but move to the rhythm. It was pure feel-good fun – a true celebration of talent, unity, and good vibes. If you get a chance to see them live, don’t miss it! And be prepared to dance! (AC)

Lemonsucker – Three Wise Cats
Lemonsucker seem to be half Welly. They play a nice naughty dance punk played to the rhythm of the Knight Rider theme. They seems to be winning the crowd over. The tiny venue is packed. Good clean scratchy fun like early Reverend and the Makers. (NM)

Ellis-D – The Prince Albert
Ellis-d has a classic queue down the Albert stairs. The band are certainly putting the practice and gigging hours in and it is paying off. The art rock Melodies are soaring, charged with some seventies bombast and a strong helping of the Easy Rider soundtrack. The guitar almost sounds like a violin the notes rush by so fast under Ellis’ yearning vocal delivery. What once was a bit choppy is now an intoxicating brew well worth rocking out to. Sweat pouring down his face they close with the ‘drifting’. (NM)

Tjaka – The Jetty
The 2nd indigenous Australian act we saw this great escape was Tjaka. They came on when the sun was blazing and brought energetic, fun music to the Jetty stage at TGE beach. Featuring a Didjeribone (a slide didgeridoo, similar to a trombone), guitar and drums this ‘hot lava flow’ hip hop brought audience participation in the form of call and response which the crowd did with smiles and wigglin butts. Great festival band , like a cooler, more sick, PJ and Duncan. (AC)

Space Station – Revenge
Space station are billed as Patrick. Sounds like straight up rock n roll to us, before turning a corner into early Cure. They have drawn a large crowd. The songs have an ear wormy quality that suggests they could well be future radio friendly shifters. (NM)

Dabo Lang – Pattens Upstairs
We arrive early for Y and whilst using the Patterns toilet a pounding rhythm erupts from upstairs. Like moths to a light buldwe rush up the stairs to find Chinese band Dabo Lang playing thumping dancey techno synth pop of a fine Chemical Brothers vintage. The packed crowd are loving the reason to dance. (NM)

Y – Patterns Cellar
Back in the now rammed cellar Y are kicking off. A nasty edgy version of the stiff records sound, with a pulsating underbelly. Ladies who kill adds some Ziggy Stardust to the mix. Hate is glam stomp. They then play a new tune that sounds like the birthday party had they been from the post acid house generation. (NM)

Kuleeangee – Horatios
Kuleeangee might have an odd name but their Screamadelica style acid house is just the tonic for the weary head in the evening sun at Horatios on the pier. It’s a fun set of big hitters. Sadie’s gets everyone clapping before the dubby bassline takes over the feet. We might have just come to enjoy the pier But we leave fully converted to this particular party. (NM)

Clt-Drp – Chalk
CLT drp appear to be announcing they have gone up a level. Chalk is super full and their thundering noise fills it well. I’m going hit you up is ripper. Annie prowls the stage. She mounts the crowd barrier like a boss. The sometimes harsh sound works really well in the bigger space. (NM)

Lynks – The Deep End
Can it ever be a bad day to see Lynks. Our scientific study conclusively shows, that no: there is no bad day. All days are better that involve Lynks. “Let’s fucking go!” he shouts. Let’s. CPR then bangs hard. We are then treated to the sexiest song ever about making a white source. He debuts a new track, whose name may be “I didn’t”.. It may be his biggest banger yet. We certainly do. (NM)

C Turtle – Fiddlers Elbow
C. Turtle are enjoying themselves in the back room of Fiddlers. It’s an enjoyable grunge racket. The Fuzz guitar sound of Seattle. The floor shakes and the Feedback screeches to the dirty blues. Perfect Saturday night late escape action. (NM)

Post Common – Fiddlers Elbow
Its way past midnight, and we’re starting to shake and tremble.. day four… and we’ve not had a fix of that warm guitar and voice. We are scratching ourselves as the cold sweat starts to burn. Then new band Post Common take to the stage for their debut show. Ey sure look familiar. For this is a new band featuring John of John fame and Stuart from TRAAMS. What a treat. The songs snake over the drums in all the right ways. The shared vocals are super satisfying. John’s growl to Stuart’s melodic snarl. A perfect debut gig. Watch this space for more. (NM)

Great Escape 2025 Day 4
Various Venues – May 17th

Words: Nick McAllister and Avis Cockbill
Photos: Stan O’Shea and Avis Cockbill