With summer in the air the sprawling grounds of Sydney University provided the perfect Sydney backdrop for a band more accustomed to the bitter winters of North America. Best known to Australian audiences for their radio favourite I Woke Up Today, Alaskan fringe-dwellers Port O’Brien were set to bring their indie-folk charm to Sydney for the first time.

Sydney three-piece Papa VS Pretty kicked off proceedings at Manning Bar with a dynamic, guitar driven set. The distinct lack of bodies on the dance floor said more about the soberness of the crowd than the energetic and talented youngsters onstage. Papa VS Pretty’s sound pans a large variety of genres including rock, electronic, jazz and even fifties inspired pop. Despite playing to a virtually empty room, it became immediately obvious that front man Thomas Rawle is a rare talent. His stick-figure frame delivers a voice with an incredible punch, legs that produce quirky dance moves and hands that strike guitar solos to die for. With a cheeky song thrown in about Club 77 these guys proved that they are a band to watch.

As the stage fell silent the polished wooden floor in front gleamed in an awkward emptiness. Having delivered one of the standout albums of 2008 in All We Could Do Was Sing, it was surprising that only a modest and particularly shy crowd was on hand to witness Port O’Brien’s solitary headline show in Sydney. Were the masses flocking to the Metro to catch a glimpse of fellows Lanewayer’s The Hold Steady? Or has going out on a school night become too much for some? Whatever the reason, those that made the effort were not disappointed by the intimate show that ensued.

In a move that confused the already shy crowd, Zeb Zaints strolled onstage. Holding an acoustic guitar, the Port O’Brien guitarist played with an unknown collaborator by his side. As the pair serenaded through the soft tune the crowd crept closer.

With the remainder of Port O’Brien joining Zaints onstage, Van Pierszalowski was quick to establish himself as a charismatic front man. The sounds of the banjo warmed the crowd up with Don’t Take My Advice, followed by a couple of older tracks, one of which, A Bird Flies, drew the crowd in with some heavy foot stomping. It is hard to think of a band that encourages a more inclusive and light-hearted atmosphere. A playful exchange about Australia’s bats and possums somehow lead Van Pierszalowski to declare that the band had come from “The United States of Freedom”. “You guy’s wouldn’t even know what freedom is…” he grinned. “Come find me after the show and I’ll tell you all about it”.

The potent camaraderie exhibited on stage engulfed the once timid crowd. Apart from the fair Cambria, who was less of a radiant centrepiece and more a remote occupant of dead space, you could not help but warm to a band displaying such genuine enthusiasm. The energy was there, and the songs were there – two simple things that you don’t get very often.

The remainder of the set drew from All We Could Do Was Sing, with the band moving from one catchy, driving number to the next. Despite being a relatively young band, Port O’Brien have mastered the art of big choruses and the group sing-along – an audience participation element that will no doubt win over new listeners. The autobiographical Fisherman’s Son was a highlight – Van howling into the mic with pinched, ragged intensity.

The true Port O’Brien moment, however, whether on record or live, is always the same. Quickly teaching the crowd the howling section of the chorus, Van Pierszalowski urged everyone to stamp, jingle their keys and sing along. He even invited as many people as possible to join the band on stage for the boisterous finale of I Woke Up Today. The drums start and fatigued voices prepare themselves for the first “WOAHHHH” of I Woke Up Today. It’s a celebratory moment, and the only set-closer possible. There will be no encore, but that doesn’t matter. Very few bands ever write a song this good, and there’s nothing for it but to enjoy it.