Live Review: SummerSalt Festival 2025 Tour
22 March 2025 Mornington Racecourse, Mornington, Melbourne Australia
Review by Jeana Thomas
Photography by Jeana Thomas Photography
SummerSalt is back for 2025 with some of Australia’s iconic talents, with Missy Higgins, John Butler, Fanning Dempsey National Park, The Waifs, The Whitlams, and Josh Pyke.
Face to Face Touring is proud to present three simultaneous festivals, with The Lookout and the Red Hot Summer Tour running concurrently over the weekend, as 19 artists take to the stage over the weekend. Sheldon Ang Media’s Melbourne Correspondent Jeana Thomas courageously covered two festivals in two days, with the other being The Lookout.
SummerSalt continues across Australia in March and April. Tickets and information are available from SummerSalt – SUMMERSALT | 2025 TOUR
Missy Higgins
You know, Missy Higgins really is something else. She’s been around for years now and it’s incredible to see how much she’s grown not only as an artist, but in herself. When she first hit the scene in the early 2000s, she was one of those voices that just clicked with people, her mix of folk-pop and indie and the way her lyrics had that raw vulnerability paired with strength. So, when she appeared on stage at the SummerSalt Festival, one of the biggest festivals celebrating Aussie talent, it was like watching a familiar face take its rightful place at the top. With icons like John Butler and The Waifs in the line-up, it felt like Missy was right where she belongs – standing out as one of Australia’s finest.
This show came right after an amazing year for her. She’d just been inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame and dropped “The Second Act, an album that feels like a follow-up to her ground-breaking 2004 debut, “The Sound of White”. That first album hit so hard with songs like “Scar” and “The Special Two,” capturing the hearts of a whole generation. Now, two decades later, “The Second Act” revisits similar themes, but with a different perspective – divorce, motherhood and the challenges of starting over. It’s like watching her reflect on the journey of life, but with the wisdom of someone who’s lived through it all. At Mornington, it was like we were part of that journey, seeing her weave the past and present together in a set that felt both intimate and profound, with her sharing so much of herself personally, even inviting her child on stage for a brief moment.
Her band was on point too, such a solid group. You could see how well they clicked, backing her up while giving space for her voice to shine. Elana Stone on keys and backing vocals, was especially amazing, adding these ethereal harmonies that just lifted the songs, like “The Special Two”. It was also an extra special day for Elana who was celebrating her birthday and acknowledged by Missy Higgins on stage. They kept everything grounded, especially during “A Complicated Truth” which has this expansive feel but never gets too carried away.
She opened with “Secret”, a raw, introspective track about personal struggles and the weight of hidden emotions. The song’s haunting melody and vulnerable lyrics set the tone for the set. She followed with “Set Me On Fire” a fiery anthem about yearning for freedom and release from emotional burdens, its soaring chorus igniting the crowd with energy. Next, Missy transitioned into Peachy” an upbeat, feel-good track that injected a sense of joy and carefree spirit into the performance, reflecting her playful side. She then performed “This Is How It Goes” a song filled with introspection and emotional depth, capturing the bitter sweetness of life’s uncertainties and transitions. “You Should Run” followed, with its haunting melody and sharp lyrics about finding the courage to escape toxic situations. Her performance of “Edge of Something” brought a sense of anticipation, reflecting the tension of standing on the precipice of a life-altering decision. Finally, she closed the night with a heartfelt rendition of “Scar” a powerful anthem of self-acceptance and healing, leaving the audience in awe as her voice echoed through the air, capturing the essence of strength and vulnerability.
I found her performance as an invitation into her world and honestly, you can see why she’s still such a unique voice in Australian music. She blends vulnerability and strength so effortlessly and whether it’s her old songs or the new ones, she’s still got this incredible ability to tap into the universal human experience. Her music offers so much more than just a catchy tune, it’s a kind of solace and insight that makes you feel like you’re not alone in whatever you’re going through. Watching her as she poured so much of her personal struggles and emotional turmoil into her songs, candidly sharing the moments when she almost gave up music altogether, yet she found the strength to keep creating and connecting through her artistry.
John Butler
You know, John Butler is one of those artists who just gets it. He’s been a huge figure in Australia’s music scene for years and his versatility really shines through, whether he’s playing folk, rock or blues. He’s the kind of musician who blends all these influences, roots, blues, psychedelia and somehow makes it sound totally unique. As the frontman of the John Butler Trio, he’s carved out this distinct sound that’s both soulful and deeply connected to nature, social justice and raw human emotion. And it’s no surprise that his music has earned him acclaim not just here in Australia, but internationally too. He’s stayed true to his authenticity, constantly exploring new sounds while staying grounded in his lyricism and personal message.
At the SummerSalt Festival, John’s performance was a perfect showcase of everything that makes him such a legend. You could feel the depth of his experience, this is an artist who’s been on the scene for over 25 years. His career, from the John Butler Trio’s early days to his solo ventures, has been all about independence and raw storytelling. And whether it’s personal reckonings or messages about respecting the planet, his songs have always had this emotional, almost spiritual quality. There’s always been a sense of honesty in his music and even now, as he’s reflecting more in his recent projects like Four Seasons and Still Searching, he’s still got that fire.
Butler’s journey from California to Fremantle, where he honed his skills as a busker, is pretty fascinating. The trio that started back in 1998, with bassist Gavin Shoesmith and drummer Jason McGann, went on to produce platinum albums like Three and Sunrise Over Sea. Tracks like “Zebra” and “Better Than” became iconic, with their infectious grooves masking deeper reflections on identity and resilience. At SummerSalt though, it wasn’t just about those old hits, he brought this raw, electric energy to the stage, alongside a talented band that really amplified his vision.
He kicked off his set with the high-energy “Treat Yo Mama” a fun and funky track with an infectious groove that got the crowd moving right from the start. He then smoothly transitioned into “Used to Get High”, a reflective tune about personal growth and overcoming past struggles. Following that, Butler brought a sense of nostalgia and tenderness with “Miss Your Love”, a soulful ballad about the longing for lost connection. The vibe shifted with “Betterman” a heartfelt anthem about striving to be a better version of oneself. Butler kept the energy flowing with “Zebra” a dynamic and genre-blending track that showcased his signature guitar skills and social consciousness. Finally, he closed the night with “Funky Tonight” an upbeat, funky jam leaving the crowd on a high note as the infectious rhythms wrapped up his powerful performance.
John Butler is a committed advocate for environmental preservation and global unity, actively speaking out against concerns like coal seam gas and lending his support to important causes, however, while his dedication to these causes is admirable, there were moments during his performance when his extended focus on these topics seemed to feel a bit heavy-handed for some in the crowd, who may have preferred a lighter tone.
The performance was such a high-energy end to the set and it was clear that John was at peace with his evolution as an artist. He was blending his roots with his more introspective, reflective work.
Fanning Dempsey National Park
Okay, so you know how Bernard Fanning from Powderfinger and Paul Dempsey from Something For Kate are two of the biggest names in Aussie rock, right? Well, they’ve teamed up for this awesome new project called Fanning Dempsey National Park and their performance at the SummerSalt Festival in Mornington was a total game-changer. These two legends have been around for decades and their new collaboration is a far cry from the guitar-driven rock we’re used to from their past bands. Instead, they’ve gone down this synth-heavy, electronic route, which was a huge shift and I’m honestly here for it.
They dropped The Deluge in 2024, which marked the beginning of this whole new chapter for them. The album blends electronic textures with their signature songwriting and you can definitely hear that in their live set. At SummerSalt, it was like they were pushing themselves to create something fresh while still holding onto that depth that they’re known for. They’ve built up a reputation over the years for their emotionally charged lyrics and killer melodies and this new sound still keeps that at its core – it’s just way more atmospheric.
The set kicked off with “Strangers” and I was instantly hooked. The synths just cut through the air and the beat was so infectious. Fanning’s voice, which has that warm, weathered quality, was like the perfect contrast to Dempsey’s sharper, more precise guitar work. They just have this amazing dynamic between them and you could tell they’ve been making music for ages – the way they play off each other, balancing warmth and coolness, is really special.
Then they played “The Deluge,” which is the title track from their album and it was honestly one of the highlights of the show. The song is this dark, brooding piece and the synths swelled up like a storm. It’s about memory, renewal and change and the way the song builds with those driving percussion rhythms and electronic textures felt like an emotional flood. You could really feel the power of the lyrics, especially when their voices came together in this rare harmony. The whole moment felt like the culmination of their friendship and their shared musical history, with the night sky fading behind them to add to the whole mood. Then came “Disconnect”. It’s one of those songs that really makes you think about how disconnected we’ve all become, especially with technology taking over. The rhythm was upbeat and the lyrics were super heartfelt, making you reflect on how important real connections are. Next up was “Past Tomorrow”, a song that hit me hard with its themes of uncertainty and the struggle to figure out what comes next in life. It’s one of those songs that makes you think about your own choices and where you’re headed.
Things got even more emotional with “Blood”, a powerful track that dives into the messiness of human relationships. The deep, soulful sound made it feel so intense and personal. Next “Wish You Well” brought a bit of hope and positivity, focusing on pushing through tough times and keeping your head up. Then came “Wouldn’t It Be Good” which was a cool twist on the classic song – the band really put their own spin on it. To close the night, they played “Eyes Wide Open”, a song that just oozes optimism. The energy was infectious, and the crowd was buzzing, leaving us all feeling ready to take on whatever comes next.
All in all, these two artists have created something that feels both new and familiar and I think it’s safe to say they’re onto something pretty special with this project. If you get the chance to see them live, definitely go. It’s a whole different vibe, but it still has that emotional punch that makes their music so memorable.
The Waifs
I seriously lived for The Waifs back in the day – their songs were on repeat constantly and they totally shaped my playlist for years! So, you can imagine how excited I was when I found out they were performing live. I was basically counting down the days until the show, knowing it was going to be an epic throwback to all those good vibes. It felt like I was about to relive all those classic tracks that made me feel like I was in my own little world!
Their performance was a total vibe, they’ve always had this amazing way of blending heartfelt storytelling with an energy that’s totally infectious. Their set at the festival felt like a journey through their entire career, with each song offering something fresh while staying true to their folk, blues and Americana roots. The relaxed festival vibe and the buzzing crowd created the perfect backdrop for their timeless sound, which stays true to tradition but is always evolving.
For some context, The Waifs have been rocking out since 1992, making a big impact both in Australia and internationally. Their mix of soulful harmonies and folk-inspired lyrics just resonates with people, especially after the release of their breakthrough album “Up All Night” in 2003, which gave us unforgettable tracks like “London Still” and “Fisherman’s Daughter.” When they hit the stage, there was this amazing sense of warmth and intimacy – you could tell they were having the time of their lives. Vikki Thorn, Donna Simpson and Joshua Cunningham just clicked together and their effortless chemistry made it feel like we were all hanging out with friends.
Their setlist was an absolute journey through their greatest hits, kicking off with the iconic “Highway One”, a track that perfectly captured their laid-back, road-trip vibes. The crowd was already buzzing as they smoothly transitioned into “Higher Ground” with its uplifting melody and feel-good energy, you could tell everyone was totally on board. Then came “London Still” a classic that had everyone singing along to the catchy chorus about homesickness and longing and for those that don’t know, it became one of their most popular tracks after being featured on a TV show, giving them even more love from international audiences. Then just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, someone from the crowd requested “Gillian” which they squeezed into their setlist to sing. “Bridal Train” slowed things down and had the whole crowd swaying in sync. As a finale, they closed with Lighthouse” a song that’s like a beacon of hope, with its sweet harmonies and uplifting message, a perfect way to end an amazing set. Overall, it was an incredible mix of upbeat jams and soulful moments, leaving everyone with that warm, fuzzy feeling.
I love how they have the ability to weave personal stories into their songs in such an authentic, heartfelt way and it’s why their music still hits home after all these years, it’s the kind of music that feels like it’s always been part of your life.
The Whitlams
The Whitlam’s performance was everything you could want from a band that’s been around for decades – fun, heartfelt and with that signature mix of wit and emotional depth that makes them so special. I went into the performance with high expectations and honestly, they surpassed them. It felt like seeing an old friend, one who’s grown over the years but still knows exactly how to make you laugh and leave you feeling a little more connected to the world.
They are one of Australia’s most beloved bands, formed in the mid-90s by Tim Freedman. Over the years, their sound has evolved from indie rock to pop, jazz and everything in between. They’re best known for their catchy piano-driven tracks and Freedman’s distinctive voice, which carries a kind of storytelling magic. They burst onto the scene with “Eternal Nightcap” in 1997 and songs like “No Aphrodisiac” and “Thank You (For Loving Me at My Worst)” have been Australian staples ever since. Their ability to mix humour with deeply reflective lyrics is what has always set them apart and that combination was front and centre at SummerSalt.
From the moment they started with “Thank You” the crowd was hooked. You could feel the collective energy surge as the opening piano riff hit. The crowd was right there with them, singing along to that instantly recognizable chorus. The song, with its mix of melancholy and cheeky self-reflection, perfectly set the tone for what was to come. Freedman’s charisma was undeniable, he’s the kind of frontman who can go from cracking a joke about the band’s early days to getting real and introspective in the span of a few minutes. It’s that unpredictability that makes their live shows so captivating.
The set was a balanced mix of old hits and newer tracks. They seamlessly moved from “No Aphrodisiac” to “Blow Up the Pokies,” a song that remains as relevant as ever, poking fun at the harsh realities of gambling addiction. There was a sense of maturity in the way they performed it, but the humour and sharpness of the lyrics were still cutting through, leaving the crowd laughing, but also reflecting. The band’s ability to take serious subjects and turn them into anthems for the everyday person is something few bands can do as well.
Another highlight was “You Sound Like Louis Burdett.” I’ll admit, this one always gets me. It’s a perfect example of The Whitlams’ knack for telling stories through their music, stories that feel personal yet universal. Freedman’s delivery was especially poignant and there was this feeling in the crowd of everyone just being in it together, understanding the subtle heartbreak the song carries.
What I really loved about the show, though, was the way they connected with the audience. Between songs, Freedman would share anecdotes or witty remarks, making it feel like we were all part of the performance rather than just passive observers. Even the way the band played off each other was effortless, there was a clear comfort on stage, a sense of trust and camaraderie that only comes with years of playing together.
They sang “I make Hamburgers” which is a fun, quirky track that came about when Tim Freedman wrote it after a night of reflection, humorously capturing the mundane yet meaningful aspects of life and love.
Since the festival was running ahead of schedule, they decided to throw in an extra treat for the crowd – a cover of Bob Dylan’s “Tangled Up In Blue”. It was a fun surprise, with the band giving their own spin on the classic, adding a bit of their signature charm while paying homage to one of the greatest songwriters of all time. The crowd loved it, singing along to every word as the band’s laid-back vibe perfectly matched Dylan’s timeless tune.
Their performance was everything I hoped for – fun, emotionally charged and full of that unmistakable Whitlams charm. They’re a band that knows how to make you laugh, think and most importantly, feel. And honestly, isn’t that what good music is all about?
Josh Pyke
If you’ve ever seen Josh Pyke live, you know it’s an experience that’s both soothing and stirring at the same time and his performance at the SummerSalt Festival in Mornington was no exception. The way he’s able to blend introspection with an infectious energy is something that sets him apart from other artists. There’s an honesty in his music that’s immediately accessible, but when he performs, it feels deeply personal, like he’s sharing a chapter of his life with each song. Pyke proved why he’s one of Australia’s finest singer-songwriters, captivating the crowd with his signature mix of mellow indie-folk and his distinctive, rich voice.
For those that don’t know Josh Pyke first made a name for himself in the mid-2000s with his debut album “Memories & Dust”, which introduced the world to his poetic lyrics and knack for crafting emotional, melodic songs. Tracks like “The Summer” and “Middle of the Hill” have become staples of his catalogue and they’ve only grown more meaningful over time. Over the years, he’s continued to evolve and his sound has developed from the more stripped-back folk of his earlier work into something richer and more complex, with each album showcasing his growth as both a musician and a storyteller.
At the SummerSalt Festival, Pyke was in top form. He took to the stage with an acoustic guitar in hand, backed by his tight-knit band and immediately set the tone with “Memories & Dust” one of his most beloved tracks. There’s something so nostalgic and comforting about this song, the warm acoustic strums, the laid-back rhythm and the way his voice effortlessly fills the space. You could tell from the crowd’s reaction that they knew this song well; people were singing along, almost like they were joining in on a shared memory. It was the perfect way to ease into the set, setting a relaxed, yet engaged, atmosphere.
As the performance progressed, Pyke showcased the versatility of his musical style. He shifted from the more familiar acoustic vibes into fuller, richer arrangements. Songs like “Forever Song” and “Make You Happy” brought an undeniable energy to the stage, with the crowd leaning in, hanging on every word. What I love about Pyke’s music is how his lyrics can be both deeply reflective and universally relatable. Whether he’s singing about love, self-doubt, or the passing of time, there’s a sense of quiet wisdom in his words that’s incredibly comforting. Even in a festival setting, where the energy can sometimes be chaotic, he has this ability to create a space of intimacy through his song writing.
One of the highlights of the set for me was when he performed the closing song of “Middle of the Hill,” a song that always seems to resonate with a lot of listeners. The song, with its gentle melody and tender lyrics, paints such a vivid picture of life’s simple moments. In the context of the festival, surrounded by the beauty of the Mornington Peninsula, it felt like the perfect soundtrack to a lazy afternoon. It’s the kind of song that makes you pause and appreciate the small things, the quiet moments, the friendships and the everyday beauty that often gets overlooked.
But beyond the music, it’s Pyke’s stage presence that really draws you in. He has this humble, down-to-earth vibe that makes you feel like you’re sitting in his living room, just chatting over a cup of coffee. There’s no pretension, just an artist sharing his craft with an audience.
Josh Pyke’s performance was a beautiful reminder of why his music resonates so deeply. His ability to create a shared space with the audience, to take them on a journey through his songs and to do it all with such ease and grace, makes him a standout artist.
Sheldon Ang Media would like to thank Menard PR (Lennard Promotions) and Face to Face Touring for the Press Accreditation
SummerSalt continues across Australia in March and April. Tickets and information are available from SummerSalt – SUMMERSALT | 2025 TOUR
About the Writer: Originally hailing from Western Australia, Jeana Thomas now thrives in the vibrant city of Melbourne. Amidst the hustle of her role in a prominent teaching hospital, she also navigates the dynamic world of entrepreneurship as the owner of a medical transcription company. Beyond her professional endeavours, Jeana finds solace and joy in the rhythm of music, the allure of travel and the artistry of photography, with a particular passion for wildlife photography.
About Sheldon Ang Media: Sheldon Ang Media (est. May 2022) have been accredited to more than 170 of the hottest acts including Coldplay (Perth), Taylor Swift (ERAS Tour in Sydney), KISS, Iron Maiden, RHCP, P!NK and The Kid LAROI with reviews shared by the likes of Belinda Carlisle, UB40, Delta Goodrem, The Wiggles and Toni Childs on social media. The founder has interviewed rockers Suzi Quatro, Ace Frehley (KISS), John Steel (The Animals), Frank Ferrer (Guns N Roses), Phil X (Bon Jovi), Andrew Farris (INXS) plus over 70 artists. SAM is also a music journalist on the Triple M Radio network.
