- MTV Snow Jam Review!

To get an exclusive sneaky peak of MTV Snow Jam performances on Overdrive click here!

MTV Snow Jam is over for another year, and by all accounts, this was the best yet with local and international acts braving the chilly winds to play a show like never before!

The beautiful Terrace Downs Resort proved to be the perfect location for such an event; the Narnia-eske scenery, clear skies and snow capped mountains served as the spectacular backdrop for the performing acts that no one will forget!  The chilly winds did nothing to deter the 6000 odd punters, who rugged up against the cold with layers of thermals, beanies and gloves and most stayed well into night for the entire eight hours.

The stellar line up of artists certainly didn't disappoint - Phinesse were the first up, kicking off the event with their unique brand of R&B slash hip hop. The Melbourne duo had punters hands in the air within minutes, and George's (aka Giovanni the Great) smoothly delivered vocals harmonized with the gracious melodies of Dave Devine proving that this much hyped urban act is one to watch. 

A late registration on the line up, pro snowboarder turned 'Crunk Rocker,' Trouble kicked it up a notch with their set.  Proving over the duration of the festival that the name is no thoughtless moniker, front man Trevor Andrew wooed the rapidly growing crowd with his unique delivery and by all accounts seemed to be right at home in the icy conditions.

By 4pm the festival was well and truly kicking into gear, and Opshop was next to take the stage. Greeted by chants from the crowd, the Auckland foursome played a set that proved once and for all why they are one of the best loved and successful rock acts in New Zealand.  With soft afternoon light setting the snow capped mountains alight, Opshop were truly a sight to behold as they cranked out hits from their second album 'Second Hand Planet'.

As the sun sank below the mountains and Donavon Frankenreiter took the stage, audiences were treated to sultry sounds and a stunning spectacle.  The singer/songwriter has a huge fan base in New Zealand and it's easy to see why with his cruisy ballads reminiscent of warmer days.  Looking like he'd just stepped out of a scene from "Out Of The Wild" the rugged up Frankenreiter (complete with Russian bear hat, full beard and flannel jacket) played crowd favorite tunes from his first album.

With the temperature dropping and night falling, the punters were all but oblivious to the icy winds when Brisbane act The Grates appeared on stage to up the tempo.  While better known in Australia, there is no doubt The Grates walked away from the event with some hard won kiwi fans after their rocking set. 

Next up were New Zealand favorites PNC, David Dallas and P Money. The trio did not disappoint, with PNC and David Dallas fortifying their reputation as spitting the best flows this side of the Tasman.  P Money demonstrated his DJing and producing prowess in between sets, keeping the already amped crowds dancing and warm.  After their performance at MTV Snow Jam which will showcase their brand of NZ hip hop to an international audience, there can be no doubt it will be a matter of time before they infiltrate the urban-starved Australian market.

Switching it up from hip hop, The Potbelleez dance/pop/indie rock tracks set the field alight.  The group (who kindly treated us to a beat boxing session with Phinesse backstage before their set!) played out their set to raucous applause, with fireworks completing the spectacle of their energetic and awe inspiring act. 

There was no doubt punters were going to stick it to the end as the festival just kept on getting better and even the notoriously temperamental mother nature was enjoying herself, with no precipitation in sight!

Next up were The Vines who certainly lived up to their reputation as deliverers of the pure hard fast cock rock, completing their set with smashing up a drum kit and guitar. 

By the time Lil Jon was set to appear, the crowd were well and truly in a lather for the self proclaimed 'King of Crunk'.  With many of the audience paying homage to the rapper with fake dreds and grills, Lil Jon and his crew played a flawless set, highlighted by bursts of pyrotechnics that added a silver lining to what was a fantastic and hugely successful day.   But the party didn't end there; the VIP party kicked until the early hours of the morning with Jonny and Dave from The Potbelleez and Blue MC on the decks. 

So that's it for another year! Big ups to Terrace Downs, the artists, and the thousands of punters that braved the cold to make this is a  MTV Snow Jam no one will forget!

Catch the full coverage of MTV Snow Jam on yer telly September 1st at 9pm and stay locked to MTV.com.au for exclusive footage and interviews!

By Penny Newton