Edward Guglielmino leavens the heart-weary cynicism of his acoustic ballads with equal amounts of cheerfully self-deprecating banter in a charming set that never wears out its welcome. Offsider Timothy Carroll wields electric guitar with delightful restraint, alternately harmonising and counter-pointing Guglielmino’s distinctive not-quite-rock, not-quite-soul vocals in intriguing fashion. Late in the set, though, he abandons it to focus on backing vocals and the songs lose some of their toothiness.

Fellow local Emma Dean distributes art-cabaret offerings like fairy floss to the bright young things seated on the couches scattered around the Troubadour. She’s at her strongest with chirpy pop-rock numbers such as Three Meals, capturing attention as chiming guitar and tinkling, up-tempo piano twines around her clear soaring voice. More sombre pieces lack the final touch of fragility to truly tug the heartstrings but toe-tapping closer and recent single Cocaine definitely garners approval.

As though disarmed by the intimate environment of the Troubadour, Angie Hart lays bare the potent lyricism that’s the core of her solo long-player debut Grounded Bird. It’s not quite acoustic mode, but sans percussion and with tempo slowed, her fabulous voice assumes new focus. Gently framed by the sparse guitar and keys of band members Dan Luscombe and Cam Butler, Hart saunters through half-a-dozen or more introspective gems that hush the crowd to reverent near-silence.

Hands clasped slightly awkwardly – a bit like a schoolgirl singing at an eisteddfod – she nevertheless exudes quiet confidence as she sings: “Life is a mandala made of sand … And now I’ve gotta start all over again.” In less skilled hands, this could become an indulgent mope fest. Here, Hart infuses the poignancy of the lyrics with bright and simple optimism.

The Troubadour is only half-full tonight, prompting this reviewer to realise she is, indeed, starting all over. Given her ambivalent relationship over the years with the Frente! fanbase, one suspects she might think that’s just splendid. There’s no sign of that tonight, though. Hart looks completely carefree as she finishes the evening with Bizarre Love Triangle – complete with an enthusiastically orchestrated sing-along.