Check out the pics from the show right here on FL.

Firstly, I’m going to say that the Old Museum is one of the most sublime venues in Brisbane, and one that is severely underutilised for its gig possibilities. Tonight is perhaps the first time that most of the crowd has been to a rock concert here – it’s usually reserved for orchestral and theatrical performances. With its high ceilings, ample space and historic charm, the Old Museum really is one of Brisbane’s best kept secrets.

There is a fabulous six-band line-up on tonight so it is an early start; the crowd are still trickling in as Idle Cranes hit the stage. As the band blares out its psychedelic garage rock, I’m not particularly impressed – the speakers are way too loud and I think the vocalist is having a bad day. Nevertheless, their music is quite catchy and the drums resonate well in the large room.

Next up are Skinny Jean, who rattle through an assortment of songs from their recent Dolce Doggerel album. Shem Allen’s voice is in fine form tonight, especially in Alarm Heist, where he shows off his impressive vocal range. Army Wife, sung by Jemma Hicks is always a highlight – the agitation and emotion in her voice is palpable. The thing I love most about seeing Skinny Jean live is that every performance is a different experience. When Allen and Hicks sing, they are not afraid to become totally lost in the moment of the song and venture away from the prescribed melodies, allowing every emotion to come through in their voices. New song, Abort Abort and They’ll Blush Like New is an intriguing mesh of time signatures. Apparently it includes an 11/16 section. Impressive.

Sierra Fin (from Sydney) is perhaps the surprise gem of the night. Not having heard much of them beforehand, I was quickly won over by Russ’ expressive and expansive vocals. The band begins with soaring ballad Over My Head, followed by the cutesy Blue Day Sun, featuring Russ on ukulele. Been Sleeping is another standout, with heart-breakingly hushed vocals at the end. The band also try a jazzy piano tune, with Russ hammering out chords on the keyboard a la Ben Folds and even stomping on it with his foot. They finish with an Irish sing-along, with Russ roaming the crowd with his guitar, his voice ringing through the room.

For anyone lulled into a false sense of security by the lovely Sierra Fin, Villains of Wilhelm’s loud and in-your-face performance is a sudden and brutal wake-up call. Dan Moffitt leaps onto the stage after the rest of the band has already started – he later explains that he needed to relieve himself, and now he feels lot better. Thanks, Dan. The Villains have a way of making you feel slightly uneasy, but wanting more at the same time. Moffitt is a crazed frontman, with the ultimate – œI don’t give a shit’ attitude – jumping all over the stage, knocking things over and throwing drinks everywhere. They tear through a belter of a set, with lots of agitated but catchy tunes, including White Shoes, Elephant and crowd favourite, Angelina.

Sydney-siders Richard In Your Mind bring with them an assortment of wacky instruments and gimmicks, including a megaphone, home-made percussion instruments and a confetti cannon. They are nothing short of psychedelic, with a definite Beatles-on-acid vibe in many of their songs. Richard Cartwright is an intriguing character, assuming funny voices and delivering some of the most entertaining (and random) banter in between songs. Boat is Rocking is particularly memorable, as is PS I Love You – although I don’t really know quite what to make of the latter song, a 90s-sounding funk rap number. The band treads a fine line between wacky experimentalism and novelty act, but I guess that’s just how they like it. They show off their true musicality in their last song, a captivating blues-country wailer reminiscent of America’s Deep South; but of course, it wouldn’t be Richard In Your Mind without a giant stick topped with rattles, and a harmonica echoing through a megaphone.

It’s been a long night, but the crowd are still eager to see local math-rock heroes, Mr Maps. This is rumoured to be their last show for a while, with the band going on a hiatus due to “medical conferences, overseas adventures and visa difficulties”. They showcase a selection of new songs, in addition to favourites ‘Til the Money Outruns Us and This Mess is a Place from their Mimicry of Lines and Light double EP. Listening to Mr Maps is like reading a story full of twists, turns and surprises, and with multiple plot-lines of keyboard, bass, drums, cello and electronic noise. Each one goes off on their individual tangents, but somehow it is all relevant, and everything comes together in the final denouement. Chris Perren is a joy to watch as he obviously loves what he does, which is essentially, geeking about on stage. Tonight’s show is a special and magical one for all involved, and I wouldn’t be surprised if there are a few teary eyes. Set closer I See Them, They’re Like Mountains has a particularly melancholy feel and is met by rapturous applause. Mr Maps is one of Brisbane’s most intellectual and innovative bands, and I hope they will grace us with their presence again very soon.