Never having paid close attention to the musical output of Betchadupa, nor having caught the band’s live show, I had little useful idea as to what a Liam Finn solo gig would entail. Crowded House was on high rotation throughout my childhood, so I had vague expectations of nice-sounding pop vocals with guitar – which was true of Finn’s show at the Northcote Social Club, though only in part.

We missed the opening act EJ Barnes, though not entirely as she shared the stage with Finn for his set. We did arrive in time to see Sydney trio theredsunband, on the road promoting their new EP Like an Arrow. While one song tended to blend into the next, the lack of vitality was at least partly explained when vocalist Sarah told the crowd that their drummer, John Matthews, had quit the band a mere five days earlier. All things considered, Joe, the fill-in drummer, did an admirable job while sisters Sarah (guitar and vocals) and Lizzie (keyboard bass) each possessed a beguiling on-stage presence. The group’s breakthrough single from 2004, ‘Devil’s Song’, was a stand-out.

Finn, in red shirt and serious beard, took the stage accompanied by EJ Barnes, who provided vocal and percussive assistance throughout the set. A formidable amount of noise was generated between the two of them. Finn’s inventive use of a looping pedal, allowing him time to wow the crowd with frenetic drum solos, has contributed to his recent reputation as a one-man-band.

Finn’s infectious energy and offhand banter created a great atmosphere in the band room, and his willingness to shift each song’s direction – crossing moods, genres and tempos – fostered a sense of unpredictability and intimacy that contributed to an engaging show. Early on he enthusiastically told the crowd to “get loose it’s a Friday night. Who’s got a drink in their hand? Cheers!” between good-humouredly denigrating the next day’s election.

Whatever can be made of his musical heritage, Finn is a consummate performer. Guitar and drum solos played with abandon are intersected by melodic pop interludes, with singles ‘Second Chance’ and ‘Lead Balloon’ (with Barnes’s cowbell inciting the crowd to clapping) standing out. The title track, ‘I’ll be Lightning’, is an almost enigmatic song enlivened by Finn’s energetic drumming. Midway through his set he sent a mike stand flying while at the drum-kit, retrieving it at the end of the song with a comic aside to John Toogood and roadies.

Betchadupa’s Chris Garland joined Finn and Barnes on stage for the encore. The three of them wrapped up the show with an enormous amount of energy, leaving a remarkable impression on the crowd.