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To describe the ANU Bar on Wednesday night, you only need two words: chilled out.

Katie Noonan and The Captains arrived in Canberra on their Page One tour, named after the lead single from their upcoming debut album. Bringing Brian Campeau with them, a reasonable turn out of people turned up to check out what Noonan’s been up to since leaving George.

At about 8.45pm, a lone figure with a guitar took to the dimly-lit stage. Brian Campeau is an independent singer/songwriter from Canada. With a folksy/indie feel, his latest album Mostly Winter, Sometimes Spring is a concept album with only one instrument per song.

His voice was strong and beautiful, with high notes and an easy-going charm. It was disheartening, however, when he had to sing even louder than he should have to because of the rude people having loud conversations over their white wine. It’s got to take guts to stand up in front of a 50+ people audience, and there were a few minor mistakes during his set, but he took it in his stride, telling the crowd ‘it’s still kinda fresh’.

Campeau noticed people had started sitting on the floor and sympathised: ‘You guys ok on the floor? You could probably steal some cushions from the lounges down the back… or not…’

Influenced by the dynamic ranges of Jeff Buckley, Campaeu uses his voice to take the listener on an emotional journey. Singing about themes such as drugs, bad relationships and gay marriage, he sounded pretty raw as he played his guitar with fervour.

Next, three guys got on the stage and asked the audience how they were. Dressed in a black maxi dress, black flapper headband and a choker (that she grabbed at occasionally), Katie Noonan strolled onstage last, and launched the first song.

Later, Noonan recalled her first ever Canberra gig was at ANU nearly 10 years ago, and she made mention of the seemingly anti-vegetarian food menu at the bar.

Noonan has always garnered praise for her beautiful, strong falsetto, and she did not let her fans down. Huge long notes and beautiful whispers were accompanied by her band and other noises, including bells, a xylophone, hand claps, foot stomps and some form of bean shaker.

At one point, Triple J favourite Sia was name dropped by Noonan, who wrote a song called Sweet One with the ‘beautiful unit’ about female friendship. Throughout the performance, the crowd was completely silent, mesmerised by the band onstage.

A bit Rock, a bit Pop, and a bit Indie, Katie Noonan and The Captains upcoming album Page One is sure to be a welcome return for one of Australia’s top female vocalists.

CHECK OUT THE PICS HERE!