Two large bands took the stage at Transit Bar on Saturday night. Cuthbert and the Nightwalkers with their euphoric sounds of the mundane combined with the more blissful but no less intense Institut Polaire. The two bands complemented each other for the Canberra crowd who appreciated the intense and fun evening which provided more than enough opportunities to kick up on the Transit dance floor. Both bands no doubt won a chunk of fans amidst the Canberra crowd.

Perth band Institut Polaire gave us eclectic indie pop, infusing elements of lounge music in songs such as City Walls and Empires, to the somber Lullaby For a Warmonger, with its 1960s influenced pop melodies and beach boy ending, Institut Polaire presented the Transit Bar crowd with an interesting night. With Ben Blakeney on guitar, Elliott Brannen playing trumpet and keys, Catherine Colvin on violin, Erik Hecht on guitar, banjo and keys, Dr. David Thirkettle-Watts on bass, Samantha Wass on acoustic guitar and keys, Ash Blakeney on drums and percussion and Rebecca May on keys, with the entire band contributing vocals, Institut Polaire presents a full ensemble, only outdone by Cuthbert and the Nightwalkers.

Cuthbert and the Nightwalkers lived up to their reputation as a band driven by lyrical honesty and an embrace of the mundane that brings smiles to any crowd, as the band drives forth in a happy folk pop and rock frenzy – songs such as Red Frogs and Smoking in the Basement telling you so much about what this band is about. Cuthbert and the Nightwalkers is a large assortment that cycle through instruments as the choir takes us deep into the everyday to explore the fun that is to be had there. Richie on guitar, Brendan on bass, Drummer Dan on drums, Gentle Dan on glock, tambourine, Korg and cowbell, Irena on keys and the Night Walker Choir consisting of Kinnoz on melodica and mean double pump, Nat on kazu and allegedly being able to fit her fist in her mouth – though I missed that – Joolz on whistle, Amy on recorder with Lindz the band quick paced us through their winding but tight set that traversed comedic ballads to rocking story tracks and chunks of electronica. Key to maintaining crowd interest for Cuthbert and the Nightwalkers is the position of each band member, no member is bashful and each takes the spotlight throughout the night.

With Cuthbert and the Nightwalkers having an engaging fun time on stage and Institut Polaire giving the intense indie pop, the crowd that looked for an eclectic and off-centre night found it at Transit Bar. If you missed these bands then check out their myspace sites for some of their sounds and make sure you see them next time they come around.