I hadn’t been to Spectrum for a while and I’d forgotten how small the place was. It was practically empty when I walked in around show time. Fooled into thinking soundcheck might still been in its final stages, I wandered over to the bar to grab a schooey.

“Hey we’re Little Scout, we’ve been on tour for a while now with the Philly Jays and Belles. We’re from Brissy, ummm, we’re pretty excited to be playing tonight in Sydney! This is my last show so dance your pants off…”

I have to say my pants were firmly fastened around my hips after the first song, but it was a sweet indie-pop lament, with chiming guitar, splashy drums and bouncy keys. The vocals were light but stood out just the same. Something immediately noticeable was the harmony of the Tickle sisters – lead singer Melissa and keys and triangle aficionado Kirsty (playing her second last show).

The crowd trickled into the venue, hiding between columns, the Friday night post-work wrap up accompanied by loud chatter and visits to the bar. It’s never an easy thing, playing to a crowd obviously distracted by the weekend’s arrival. A country style hoe-down mid set seemed to prick up the ears of a room whose size had doubled in a matter of minutes. Hey, it could have been because Sydney’s Philadelphia Grand Jury were up next to titillate a crowd ready to shed some kilos through their pores. Nevertheless, Little Scout gained a fan or two, me included.

It was time for the Philly Jays; a name they’ve gained pretty quickly. If you haven’t caught this pedal-to-the-metal trio of madness around the traps yet, you mightn’t know what the hype is about! They started with their new single Ready To Roll, a barn-storming sub two-minute rollick of cymbal crashing, rocky riffs and a murderous bassline. This stage really is too small for these guys, but it doesn’t seem to lessen the awesomeness of it all. Lead singer Berkfinger sweated his way through the next few songs and was positively soaked by the time that undeniable scream signalled their first single, the simple yet uber-catchy Going To The Casino Tomorrow Night.

Bass player MC Bad Genius didn’t let his thick adornment of facial hair hide the fact that he was having a whale of a time. The man with the sticks, Dan W Sweat, looked as though he was about to burst a jugular hitting the skins. It’s a wonder he doesn’t replace a snare after every gig. Feeding off the madness, Berkfinger dived at me. Before I knew it, we were arm in arm, the mic thrust in my face, singing a very loud chorus line.

Now how many ridiculous haircuts can you fit on stage? Answer: too many. Belles Will Ring obviously haven’t seen Edward Scissorhands recently, because they’re all in need of the short-back-and-sides treatment. From guitarist Liam Judson, who seems to be channelling a Spinal Tap vibe, to blonde mo-ed bassist Kent Williams, they’re a motley crew alright. Their music isn’t out of place though. Living up to the – œretro’ tag, a number of their songs have that sparse arrangement, with jangly – œ60s guitar and vocal ohh-ahhs that are totally sounds of the decade of love – but who cares, it’s good music. Their summery tune Renegades sparked a bit of a sing-along (should I say hum-along?) from a crowd who was by now well lubricated and carefree after the madness from the support.

Priest Coats went down a treat, with a bit of extended psych jamming thrown in. Their latest mini-album Broader Than Broadway is a pretty slow mover and it did feel a little frustrating to sit through after the Philadelphia Grand Jury set, which would have gone down better closing the night. Definitely check these guys out – just make sure the Philly Jays aren’t in support.