I’ve rarely ever seen a venue so crowded before the support acts have started playing, but Jordie Lane’s special Sunday matinee show was an exception. Despite the rain and Melbourne’s week of crazy weather, punters young and old packed the Corner Hotel for a relaxed Sunday afternoon of brilliant live music.

Jordie himself opened the show with Canadian born Tracy McNeil, as part of their duo Fireside Bellows. From the first chord the pair captured me with their brilliantly blended harmonies. As they sang a variety of tracks including I Ain’t Gonna Fall and the gorgeous The Last Round it was as if Jordie and Tracy’s hearts and minds were as in sync as their music was.

Another top act in Downhills Home added to the afternoon’s all star line up and their music was a breath of fresh air. Their opening tunes had a brilliant psychedelic sound and plenty of country rock smattered throughout their set. They had an electric vibe on stage and terrific interaction with the crowd; guitars, pianos, harmonicas and all. With tracks like Caught on the Stairs and Travelling Light capturing their musical brilliance, it is no surprise to see that their album Wolves in the Woods was nominated for album of the year in The Age.

Then the curtains closed to build anticipation before they opened again with some looping basslines to reveal Jordie and his band, greeted by loud cheers and applause from the audience.

Decked out in his jeans, shirt and trademark hat, Jordie opened with War Rages On showing a maturity beyond his years with incredibly honest and raw lyrics. Dig Straight Through provided some heavier sounds with a foot tapping beat and then The Day I Leave This Town was played before some solo Jordie tunes.

When Jordie sang Annabelle Marie there was an eerie silence that swept over the room except for his brooding voice and guitar, creating a great atmosphere. Clearer You’ll See was another amazing song, and then the band took it up an extra notch to play some louder, upbeat tracks with the crowd on their feet, clapping and dancing along.

Jordie played a couple more tunes, continuing to enlighten his fans what each and every song was about, even joking about how the WA crowds reacted to him. “We’ve never heard of you before, you’ve fucking awesome!” he laughs. The Publican’s Daughter was another crowd hit, and finally he closed with the sweet sounding Love Has Locked The Door.

That wasn’t the end though, and true to what he said about last songs being “total bullshit”, Lane returned to the stage for an epic 30 minute encore including a solo crowd favourite I Could Die Looking At You. It was incredible watching his expression through each track; his eyes had a faraway look in them, like he was on his own journey, letting the music take him wherever he wanted to go. We were then treated to a brand new song that he had written only a few days ago called Stars Fall Like Rain. The full band rejoined him for a few more numbers before truly finishing with Sweet Somebody from Jordie’s first EP.

Not only is he an intense performer, captivating the crowd as they hang off every word, but he is also funny, charismatic and honest with his music, creating a beautiful imagery with every note he sings or plays.

Jordie claimed that he gets worried before each gig, afraid no one will turn up to, but I can’t imagine that ever happening, and with his legion of fans across the nation, I’m sure it won’t. The man is amazing.

CHECK OUT THE PHOTOS FROM THE GIG HERE