Ocean Alley, Ball Park Music to headline Here Comes the Sun

PSYCHEDELIC surf-rockers Ocean Alley are set to headline the Here Comes the Sun Festival at the Torquay Common next weekend.

Over the past decade, the band has played to sell-out crowds across Australia, as well as North America, Europe and the UK, and in 2018 their track “Confidence” – now certified platinum – took out Triple J’s Hottest 100.

Heading into its fifth year, Here Comes the Sun has become a Western Australian institution known for its laid-back coastal vibe and epic lineups.

Next weekend’s Torquay edition marks the first time the festival has come to Victoria.

Ocean Alley guitarist Mitch Galbraith said it felt “pretty special” to be headlining the event’s Victorian debut.

“We’re stoked. We’ve played in Torquay before at the Torquay Hotel and, of course, we did [Falls Festival when it was] down in Lorne.

“It’s a beautiful part of the world, so pretty stoked to get back there.” He said audiences could expect a “sick light show” and “the usual good times”.

The band – comprising Galbraith, Baden Donegal (vocals, guitar), Angus Goodwin (lead guitar), Lachlan Galbraith (keyboard, vocals), Nic Blom (bass) and Tom O’Brien (drums) – will play tunes from their most recent album Low Altitude Living, along with some old favourites.

Galbraith said audiences on Victoria’s Surf Coast “share a similar ethos” with the band’s members, who hail from the Northern Beaches in New South Wales and cite a love of the ocean as their biggest inspiration.

“We’ve got people who grew up near the beach, who love to go surfing and love the outdoors, love nature.

“It’s just like-minded people, like-minded music.”

Joining Ocean Alley on the bill is a stellar line-up of Australian acts including indie rocker Ruby Fields, singer-songwriter Jack Botts, indie reggae outfit South Summit and sibling pop duo Clews.

Ball Park Music will also perform. With seven studio albums under their belt, five of which debuted in the ARIA Top 10, the five-piece indie rock band from Brisbane has cemented itself as one of the country’s most successful acts.

“Come down, it’s going to be a great day,” Galbraith said.

“We’re just stoked to be back on tour, and we want to thank everyone for their support.

“If you don’t like our music, buy some tickets and come watch the other bands because they’re fantastic as well.”

Here Comes the Sun will be held at Torquay Common on March 30 from 12 noon.

For more information, or to purchase tickets, head to hctsfest.com