CHECK OUT SOME OF THE BRILLIANT PHOTOS FROM THE NIGHT HERE

Big Scary are a duo with power and have a drummer that’s raw and hard hitting. Tom Iansek and Jo Syme delivered tracks from their recently released EP Lullabies, Lies and Goodbyes , with the excellent Autumn summoning the keyboard and harmonising from the two. Syme is one of those drummers whose vocals really add to the band’s melodies. Before a main floor that steadily filled over the course of their set, Big Scary, with only two instruments at a time, had the presence and ability to capture their audience’s attention. After thirty minutes slide by, they pack up their own gear and the keyboard gets a Styrofoam packaged goodbye as it is cradled back in its box.

New Zealand favourites Midnight Youth are preceded with some Kasabian intermission music while the stage is lit with red and black, departing from the blue of Big Scary. Positioned is a white guitar and black drum kit; fitting, as the band commence with an ominous and mysterious atmosphere but quickly move into heavier rock riffs.

Kicking off with Cavalry , the band’s sound is clear and their use of instruments entertaining. Dead Flowers follows, delighting through its lyrical charms and elevated vocals. Carrying a professional and comfortable on-stage presence, Midnight Youth highlight the fact that they are both well travelled and highly capable. Latest single The Letter is given brilliant live treatment and, as the clock hits ten, the crowd begins to get rowdy. The atmosphere, mood and excitably of those in attendance is considerably aided by impressive drummer Aidan Bartlett , whose stick twirling and drumming skills are seamless.

There is about a half hour gap between Midnight Youth and Birds of Tokyo but for bands of this calibre, the wait is always worth it. Hype drills throughout, even as guitars are continually checked and tested. Birds of Tokyo are a band synonymous with our booming Australian rock talent pool, and frontman Ian Kenny seems at the heart of it. Alongside other project Karnivool, they dominate whenever they tour the country, with both bands gaining national popularity and notoriety.

Eventually, Birds take up positions and kick off with the tour’s title song The Saddest Thing I Know , as bright lights flood the Palace followed by luminescent rainbow streaks, introducing a headline act that shines. A brilliant beginning to the set is followed by Armour For Liars , which is sung with conviction by Kenny while most gaze at the black hat that sits atop his head. At the song’s conclusion, the band receives a loud applause and light floods the stage again, as if to further highlight their flair.

Wide Eyed Boy is yet another song that has garnered massive radio play for a band that create a very involving live experience and know how to engage an audience. “So good to see ya man!” exclaims Kenny, prior to playing the wonderful, soaring An Ode To Death.

After testing the water with several new songs, which garner a positive reception, Kenny brings out his acoustic guitar for Head In My Hands. Train Wrecks also features in this epic set, as does Circles. Kenny reflects the feeling by saying “I’m having the best night”. Circles is an atmospheric gem that ascends with heightened grace while mega mania ensues when Wayside turns into a sing along with its well known lyrics resounding through the Palace. Further on and testament to a fantastic set is White Witch and Death Valley , as the Birds shine in all their colourful majesty. Silhouettic is an amazing addition and Kenny is animated with arms flapping and legs scooting to his band’s creations.

The encore prompts the lights to flood on again as a riff crunch begins. “This is my goodbye, this is my farewell” serve as fitting lyrics to go with the amazing Off Kilter, rounding off an impressive night of Australasian rock bliss.