Singing, dancing pocket-rockets were the M.O. on Saturday night, when Amy Meredith supported Dash and Will in a night of good old fashioned sweaty fun. Indie music haven the Hopetoun was the perfect venue. The no-bullshit vibe (no Diet Coke served here, or fresh lime for that matter. Yes, I asked. Yes, I live in the eastern suburbs) was fitting.

I walked in just in time to see Le Russo launch into a surprisingly energetic set. For such a small guy, he throws himself every which way with such conviction and glee. I couldn’t help but grin. Anyone that ridiculous is, by default, amazing. The fact that he really can sing (his soaring top register is remarkable) and that they’re a good-looking bunch of lads makes them easy marketing fodder. The revelation of Heart Break High as an influence and that Le Russo’s equally height-challenged parents are his number one fans (in the crowd whooping, waving and singing all the words) makes them cool cats with tragic undertones; which really is the best kind of cool.

Charlie Thorpe (Dash) and Josie De Sousa-Reay (Will) are Josie and the Pussycats for the noughties. Brash, pouting De Sousa-Reay is no bigger than Kylie Minogue but has all the attitude of the Spice Girls put together. Thorpe, meanwhile, boasts a more mysterious, broody presence and the sweeter voice of the two. They foil each other beautifully. Much of their music is based on strong vocal harmonies and call-and-response melodies. Thorpe’s delicious alto and top notes add depth and range to De Sousa-Reay’s extroverted performance, which would otherwise run risk of seeming trite.

Playing a mix of old and new material, the Melbourne girls got the packed room moving in that – œindie-crowd-someone’s-elbow-is-in-my-back’ kind of a way. Current single Out of Control was a winner of course, with new song Didn’t Know (to be released on their new album Up In Something in August of this year) and a charming Easybeats cover also highlights.

Still only in their teens, Dash and Will probably have some growing up to do before they carve out a definitive niche in indie pop (they’re still uncomfortably close to The Veronicas’ territory) but they’re damn good fun in the meantime. A rocking gig from two young bands that, with a bit of spit and polish, could definitely shine more down the track.