This weekend in Sydney the special event Lost Picnic (a small music festival showcasing some great local Australian bands) is happening at Centennial Park.  The first of its kind, Lost Picnic looks to be a great event, with a splendid line up. Although The Rubens and Megan Washington are sure to put on a stand out show, we are keeping our eyes on the underdogs of the day, Sons of the East.

This Sydney-based band with their ragged, folk-like and often sultry sound have slowly been building up a very strong collection of tunes reminiscent of Mumford and Sons and Passenger over the past few years, and these efforts have not gone unnoticed.

What we like about this band is their Australian twist and contemporary take on the more traditional Folk music style. The way Sons of the East combine the truly Australian sound of the didgeridoo with the country and blues banjo is inspiring. “California” is a stand out from their latest EP, the self-named Sons of the East. This tune showcases their uniquely refreshing sound whilst highlighting some of their local and international musical influences. “Hold On” is probably their most successful and catchy tune, a song that makes you want to hit the dance floor and sing at the top of your lungs with all your mates. But ultimately what really makes this band shine is their stage presence, (they are a must to see live!). The lead singer in particular is a seriously charismatic dude and a bit of a smooth criminal.

California: 

So be sure not to miss them tomorrow at Lost Picnic. If you like Mumford and Sons and Australia, you will not be disappointed.

By Sophie Henry