It’s a rainy Friday night in Sydney but you wouldn’t know it. Headliners Spoon are playing to a packed Metro, full of appreciative punters singing along to their tight and punchy pop anthems. No-one’s at the bar out front because to leave the room for a minute would be to miss one of Britt Daniel’s signature opening riffs which fill the air before the band kick in with the groove. These are the money moments Spoon is all about.

But let’s go back a few hours. Only a handful of people are in the Metro for the first chords of opening act, Starky, but the room gets a healthy influx and vibe before long. The local band who’ve recently signed to a major label for their recorded but as yet unreleased second album, feature a punchy rhythm section and the out and out guitar pop magic of front man Beau Cassidy.

But what do we have here? Elvis Costello-esque vocals meets sixties pop fuzz guitar gems have been largely replaced with a new keyboard-fuelled sound complete with second guitarist to flesh things out (admirably achieved by both members). Yes dear readers, it seems Starky have led us into eighties new wave territory. But before I can ponder on this, the second song fills me with joy as I realise the smart pop hooks are still there in abundance. The band complete the set with their strengths in tact. Sure they’ve literally traded in their sound (ok evolved?), but these guys are strong in too many departments to be ignored.

Next up is Dappled Cities Fly. What can I say that you haven’t all read before? The room is now considerably fuller as Dave, Tim and the boys walk on with a friendly wave and an enthusiasm to get it going and have some fun. Birds begins proceedings and Peach ends them fittingly. In between we’re treated to two or three new songs from recent writing sessions as the band prepare to record their second longplayer. I can say with confidence that the writing is only getting better, with the first newie in particular bringing big smiles to people’s faces with it’s gorgeous melodies and double vocal chorus of “We’re dancing in the fire.” Dappled – they’re unusual and eccentric and just plain good really.

And then it’s Spoon time. The first thing that’s clear about the band is economy and a certain workman-like simplicity to their music. Don’t get me wrong, these are exceptional musicians, but theirs is obviously a reputation built on no-nonsense directness and incredibly well crafted tunes. Dressed in plain black shirts and blue jeans, the foursome set up and play close together in the middle of the stage. The set is marked with concise interplay, the songs snappy, fun and to the point.

Several songs are featured from Spoon’s great new album Gimme Fiction, I Turn My Camera On in particular sounding fantastic. But it’s the tracks from two albums back, Girls Can Tell, which the band seems to tackle with the most enthusiasm. From that album, Everything Hits At Once is tight and spare. The Fitted Shirt has a riff to rival AC/DC, while Me And The Bean and Lines In The Suit, both offered tonight with wonder and glory, might just be the two best songs Britt Daniel has written (well in my humble opinion anyway).

From their breakthrough album Kill The Moonlight, Spoon play versions of Small Stakes and The Way We Get By which both sound as exciting as they should. But perhaps it’s the skeletal Paper Tiger which is most enjoyable. Here the band, extend the album version with a weird and wonderful exploration into minimalism and feedback, breaking up their normal sound to great effect.

Overall the band work fantastically together. Keyboardist, second guitarist and percussionist Eric Harvey is particularly spot on tonight. So much of Spoon’s magic comes from the great keyboards, and tonight Harvey doesn’t disappoint. The rhythm section of drummer Jim Eno and Josh Zarbo are equally impressive, laying down the most solid of foundations and tight grooves to perfectly support Daniel’s songs. All in all, a great night.