Richie 1250 and the Brides of Christ certainly set the pace for the evening, creating an energetic atmosphere with their loud and unforgiving sound. Their set was tight and full of enthusiastic songs that were built up through progressive clever bass lines and tapped-in musical interludes. Every element of their sound was a necessary contributor to their unique magnetism. Their song Box Hill Blues initiated a pool of jiving bodies at the front of the stage, as did their cover of a Willy DeVille song, making it easy to imagine this band playing in a seedy underground bar of the 1940s. The room slowly filled, as people filed into the venue from the cold streets, but Richie and his fellow band members commanded the stage with an odd confidence, with their songs sending the young and old through their dancing paces and taking everyone out of their comfort zones with their visually pleasing interpretive dance moves. With an eccentric charm, drum beats that get the pulse pumping and guitar chords that make your hips sway, this band were a terrific opener for a night of upbeat musical convictions.

After a short intermission, the duet that has everybody talking soon took stage soon. The musical outfit known as Big Scary opened their set with heavy song This Weight;a perfect start to a smashing set, with its edgy lyricism and melody to match making the audience take imminent notice. The Apple Song had the crowd roaring and shaking their bodies to its light-hearted percussion and fast paced chords. This outfit certainly created warmth within the venue that exuded happiness, with a blissful energy bouncing off the pair’s smiling faces. Drummer Jo Syme was lively in her style, yet able to maintain a controlled resonant sound moving through various tempo changes. Tom Iansek left behind his deep and raw vocals, as he softly took to the microphone with a vocal intensity that tender in songs such as Falling Away and Autumn, both of which were met by a happy audience. This rocking duet displayed an effortless performance, but it was easy to see that their music is very involved; making it hard at times to believe it is only the two of them. Their rendition of Ray Charles classic I Got A Woman was sublime, and the band didn’t shy from interacting with the audience, with Syme joking that her friend believed the original to be Gold Digger by Kanye West. Big Scary certainly proved why they are being hailed as musical chameleons, moving through stages of vulnerability and vocal angst, building melodies that get people dancing and thoughtfully swaying in their seats.

After a long anticipated arrival to the stage, and a round of chanting from a rowdy and effervescent crowd, the main act everyone came to see impressed. Little Red opened with Stare In Love , a favourite off their debut album Listen To Little Red, which was welcomed by intoxicated middle aged women and adolescents abroad. It is instantly noticeable that the band is happy to be playing shows back home, after touring in the UK and recording their sophomore record. The band showed an evident growth in their cool and collected approach, with their music carrying an arrogance that is positive and assuring. Their boyish and unpretentious stage presence was full of youthful enthusiasm, with each song delivering clear and precise harmonies. The small horn section was a nice addition, completing the stage and adding another element to their loud and buoyant sound.

The band played a number of older songs, such as She’s Not The Only One and Fight Song, and confidently showcased songs off their forthcoming album, which, on early impressions, looks promising. Such songs demonstrate an edge, though still provide the resounding tones of soft and enjoyable 1960s pop, with rock attributes and heartfelt lyrics, albeit with a hint of a relaxed reggae influence. In particular Slow Motion proved to be a standout track, with the vocals of bassist Quang Dinh sitting in a groove that is comfortable and a little chic. Little Annie and Witchdoctor pleased the crowd and had everybody testing their singing voice and dance moves. Their new release Rock It had Dominic Byrne spinning around cords and jumping with his hands raised, next to Adrian Beltrame, who, like all band members, was wearing a smile from ear to ear. Tom Hartney flaunted his larrikin ways as the band began to play closing song Coca Cola, before returning moments later to play It’s Alright, as the (almost always shirtless) Taka Honda stood on top of his drum kit, banging his drum sticks with enthusiasm.

Little Red’s music has the ability to bring people together, and that is exactly how people left the sold out venue, with smiles on their faces. Dazed as they strolled (some even danced) out, the audience were left with a memorable performance, exclaiming that it really was the best way to spend a Thursday night. The only problem is, Little Red gave us a taste of what’s to come and now intoxicated by their new tracks, it is almost impossible to wait until their second album is released.

CHECK OUT PHOTOS FROM THE NIGHT HERE