The Basement was hot and crowded on Saturday as Toby Martin from Youth Group appeared as the support act in uncharacteristic solo mode. As a big Youth Group fan, I was excited to hear the songs stripped-back and acoustic. And while it was an interesting insight into what the songs might sound like when Toby first writes them, they weren’t quite as evocative without his bandmates. Nonetheless, he has an incredible voice and an easy stage presence and his set whiled away pleasantly. He suggested this was one of his first solo shows and I’d like to see more of them.

Having gigged fairly constantly for the past few years, Holly Throsby and her band seem to be in their element on stage. A few years ago, Holly’s banter involved little more than introducing her bandmates, drummer Bree van Reyk and bassist Jens Birchall. But the Holly Throsby stage show of 2008 borders on stand-up comedy. From impersonating the trumpets on The Time it Takes to pointing out the unlikely contest between herself and Kylie Minogue for an ARIA Award, she’s really funny.

Luckily the banter accompanied some similarly great music. Much of the set came from her recently released third album, A Loud Call. Highlights included the drum-heavy One of You for Me and Would You?, the duet recorded with Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy for the album. Bonnie must have been otherwise engaged on Saturday night, but luckily Jens was available and surprised with the vigour of his vocal delivery. Jens, you should sing more often! On Longing from Under the Town also worked well, with Bree on accordion and Holly on keyboard.

Falling into the folk/pop genre as it does, it’s easy to underestimate Holly’s music. But the fact is, she is really, really good at what she does. Her lyrics are poetic without being esoteric; her guitar parts are often complex but she makes them seem effortless. The songs sound somehow simpler than they really are, perhaps because they hang together so well. Judging from Saturday night’s show, Holly just might give Kylie a run for her money in that ARIA competition. At least I know who I would be voting for.