SITG: Pulp Editors Try & Guess Who the “Mystery Oz” Act Is

UPDATE: The Mystery Oz Act has been confirmed to be "Ocean Alley”. Congrats Alexi. You guessed well.

This morning the Splendour in the Grass lineup dropped and - I cannot stress this enough - it slaps. We have psych-rock icons (Tame Impala, Pond), we have zeitgeist-defining rappers (Chance the Rapper, Childish Gambino) and we have rock legends (Wolf Mother, Courtney Barnett). And yet, the most intriguing part of this line-up is the mysterious “Mystery Oz Act”, who sits on the same line as The Streets, Russ, What So Not, Courtney Barnett and Warpaint.

Who on earth could it be?

As music-experts, the Pulp Editors take a guess as to who might be gracing the shores of Byron Bay. Who do you think is right?

Haydn says The Veronicas

Haydn is so untouched right now.

The Veronicas (aka the Australian Aly & AJ) are icons and it’s about time they be recognised as such. After inventing the violin in 2007 on their hit single Untouched, they have been slept on by this entire generation. Until now. After successfully slaying mainstream radio in 2014 on their piano ballad comeback, the Veronicas’ 2019 comeback is - this time - aimed at Triple J listeners. After being brought out by Mallrat at Field Day this year, the dynamic duo have proven they are ready to take on a mature pop sound - which is exemplified in their queer, comeback-anthem Think of Me. If Splendour don’t invite this iconic pop duo to Byron, I’ll be severely disappointed.

Maddy says The Middle East

Maddy’s in Deep Water.

Yeah, The Middle East is from Townsville and I’m from Townsville so maybe I’m biased. But hear me out: The Middle East unexpectedly played their last show at Splendour in the Grass in 2011, announcing during their set that it would be their last. In March of this year it was announced that the band was reforming to play a one-night-only show at Vivid, and shortly afterward the band updated their social media accounts (!!!) with new profile and cover images.Catch me front row for the mystery act in a North Queensland Cowboys Jersey, most likely crying.

Alexi says Ocean Alley

Alexi is confident, baby.

Ocean Alley. Everyone loves Ocean Alley, they are just a non-controversial sticky fingers.