Adelaide saved by The Strokes, Jelly Roll and The War on Drugs in Harvest Rock 2025 Review
the fortunate mid-afternoon performers who managed to salvage their set from being entirely rained out. While the Sydney-based Bag Raiders and Aussie rockers Wolfmother were unable to grace the stage due to the relentless downpour, the festival unexpectedly veered off course with a surprise late-night pub show by Wolfmother at the Metro Hotel nearby.
After a hiatus in 2024 due to unforeseen challenges such as securing headlining international acts, the Harvest Rock festival in 2025 encountered a rocky start. However, as the weekend progressed, standout performances by artists like the Strokes, Jelly Roll, and Royel Otis managed to steer the boutique festival back on track with a unique blend of gourmet food, exquisite wines, and diverse musical acts.
The Presets energized the rain-soaked crowd with their pulsating beats, while Vance Joy charmed the predominantly female audience with his ukulele prowess. MIA added a different flavor to the predominantly indie-rock lineup on the main stage, captivating the audience with her signature big beats and hypnotic visuals. Despite her controversial political sentiments, her hit song “Paper Planes” seamlessly transitioned the focus back to the music.
For many attendees, Saturday was highlighted by the special Australian exclusive performances by the Strokes and the War on Drugs. These two acts notably saved the day with their mesmerizing performances. While the War on Drugs’ ethereal indie rock soothed festival-goers as the sun set, the Strokes’ electrifying setlist of decade-defining hits captivated the audience in a wash of neon lights, showcasing why they are revered figures in the modern rock scene.
As day two dawned with a smaller crowd, the music diversely shifted towards soul and dance genres. Ruel’s soulful serenade hinted at his inevitable rise to stardom, while Lauren Spencer Smith’s poignant lyrics resonated with the audience. Royel Otis, a Sydney-based band, demonstrated their arena potential with a passionate indie rock performance. Groove Armada had a lackluster DJ set, but Pnau revitalized the stage with a euphoric, hit-packed performance.
The evening closed with Shaboozey and Jelly Roll headlining the country-themed section of the festival, attracting a unique wave of Americana enthusiasts. Shaboozey’s infectious melodies and Jelly Roll’s soulful covers garnered increased admiration from the crowd, making it a high note to end the festival on.
Despite a tumultuous start characterized by rain and uncertainties, Harvest Rock 2025 managed to find its rhythm and delight attendees with a diverse range of musical offerings. With each act contributing its unique charm to the festival’s ambiance, Harvest Rock successfully showcased the rich tapestry of Australia’s music scene, leaving a lasting impression on fans and artists alike.