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Bridgemary Kiss have already started upon arrival, and while the main action (or rather, lack of) is localised around the bar, the Grinners fans are proving to be eager with a sizeable number of punters already gathering towards the stage. The young Sydneysiders dish out a set of punk-infused, danceable brit-pop songs that are seemingly a juxtaposition of what a dirtier, grittier Arctic Monkeys, Blur and Foals would sound like if they joined forces. While the vocals threaten to become swallowed by the venue, especially with frequent singular-note repetition, the songs provide enough grunt and vigour for the audience, and prove worthy of a repeat visit.

Philadelphia Grand Jury ease into their set with their fun brand of indie-pop, showcasing songs including the Hives-esque Ready to Roll and radio favourite, Going To The Casino. Despite a lull mid set which is not helped by a faulty sound system that blocks out their pre-recorded between-song-banter, the band bounce back and throw themselves into the hilariously frank I’m Going To Kill You and closer I Don’t Wanna Party. MC Bad Genius proves to be one of the most entertaining bass players around as he switches from something resembling a charging bull to an almost frozen stance with the look of a man possessed, and in an equally bizarre and spectacular finish, Phil Jamieson emerges to fix a fallen mic stand; the result of a MC Bad Genius manoeuvre that has seen him smash drummer Dan W Sweat with his bass whilst climbing onto the drum kit. All the while, singer Berkfinger punches out a final haunting keys riff before leaving the stage to a wave of cheers.

Happily basking in the chaos they’ve just witnessed, the sold-out crowd have now packed the floor and soon begin to chant for Grinspoon. Without having to wait long, we are promised an entertaining show from the word go, with a spotlight appearing on frontman Phil Jamieson: head back, spitting into the air, before being joined by Pat Davern, Joe Hansen and Kristian Hopes. Dramatic entrance out the way, the band throw themselves into the performance. Black Tattoo provides an early highlight and when Jamieson belts – œYou’re a hard act to follow’, the floorboards threaten to break as everyone from the pit to the side risers jump in unison.

Making their way through the set with songs like Nothing New and 1000 Miles, both band and crowd show no signs of slowing down in what is already a very sweaty affair. A vastly superior light show to that of their support acts aides the ferocious energy seeping through the room, yet it’s the no fuss, no bullshit approach the group employ as they continue to pump out the best of their back catalogue that has everyone from the shirtless punks to the high-heeled sweethearts jumping their hearts out in sheer enjoyment.

Material from the bands latest release Six To Midnight proves early reviews correct with a return to the rougher, dirtier sound of vintage Grinspoon, evident in the opener Dogs and elements of first single Comeback. Returning to earlier work, Jamieson showcases the strength of his vocals with the ballad Chemical Heart, which brings out the best in everyone with a sing along that will surely push the limits of neighbouring West End residents. It is clear by this stage that the band are as intense as they are tight, and continue with crowd-pleasers Champion, Sweet as Sugar, and the anthem More Than You Are.

It is worth mentioning that in such intimate surroundings, the showmanship and charisma of Jamieson is highlighted more so than previous performances as he charges the stage and leaps into the crowd. And yet while he could very much steal the show with his hip swinging antics, the brilliance of tonight’s performance lies in the passion of the band as a whole. It’s the fourteen years of mates rehearsing and touring that have created a cohesion, unity, and trust in each other that adds the polish to their live performance that places Grinspoon within the realms of superiority.

Suddenly the stage is empty after a rousing rendition of Lost Control, before Jamieson returns to briefly solo on guitar as he is joined by the remaining members of the band. Determined to end things just as high-paced as they began, the group reach back to their earliest days to send off the crowd that are now predominantly shirtless, voice-less and dripping in sweat. After the crowd screams in unison to Dead Cat, Grinspoon thank the crowd, Jamieson mic above head, and leave the punters with the knowledge they’ve witnessed one of the greatest live acts in Australian music.