Opener and local, Jackson McLaren offers a similar feel to the headliner. His songs are all acoustic guitar and harmonica, McLaren is clearly an indie folk performer and delivers a set that encompasses all you would expect.

Newcastle indie kids, The Firekites emerge to provide a complete contrast to the stripped and raw opener McLaren. Their set consists of melodic etheral sounds and plenty of strings and atmosphere, creating the kind of overpowering indie mood music that will no doubt attract fans of acts like Broken Social Scene, for a moment there even seemed to be a bit of Postal Service involved.

Since releasing his first album Memories & Dust last year, Josh Pyke has become synonomous with lyrcial storytelling his songs providing a familiarity and realness that translates to his audience. It becomes clear from the moment Pyke walks on stage that he knows how to get his fans on side and ready to go on a journey with him. He starts with a series of songs from his debut album allowing us to sing along. After the first four songs all eyes are focused forward waiting for what’s to come.

It’s undeniable that Pyke has a way of making the audience feel like they’re active participants in his performance. Whether it’s his jovial interplay with the guy up the back booming down requests all night, or invoking smiles and giggles from the relentless headboppers at the front of the stage or even engaging the audience to sing Happy Birthday to someone before he dedicates Forever Song to her.

After inspiring a sing along to Vibrations in Air, Pyke tells the awestruck crowd, ‘that was my favourite musical experience.’ This results in yet another round of thunderous applause. After seeing Josh Pyke just last year in a bigger venue with a much larger crowd, there’s an intensity and awe in the room and those who did manage to squeeze their way in are obviously ready to follow Pyke wherever he may lead.

Combining plenty of favourites from Memories & Dust including Lines on Palms and Middle of the Hill, he also gives the audience a taste of what’s to come from his latest release Chimney’s Afire due out early October, giving an addictive performance of the current single, The Lighthouse Song. Josh Pyke is exactly like his music amiable, familiar and real.