Anyone remember The Fergusons? For five years the Fergies were one of Perth’s top indie-pop bands, and the boys did plenty of touring around the country before they called it quits at the start of 2005. But tonight, for one show only, Al Nistelberger, Grant Joyce and Wayne Beadon are back on stage together to take us on a trip down memory lane.

Despite this being an acoustic show, Mojo’s is as busy as it’s ever been on a Thursday night. There’s a suspiciously high presence of members of other noteable Perth bands in the audience, but we’ll put that down to the fact that many of them started off supporting The Fergusons back in the day.

There’s a little bit of banter - the trio introduce Die as one of the the first songs they wrote together - but they don’t waste any time going through a set of favourites. Die, Everything’s Gone Bad, Sinner is Red and Sad Simone are all there, and there’s also a guest appearance by former guitarist Mike Bruce. Then throw in El Presidente, a tune from Bipolar Bears, the guys’ new project featuring Little Birdy drummer Matt Chequer. But the highlights tonight aren’t Fergusons songs or Bipolar Bears songs.

Two or three songs into the set, there’s a rousing sing-along when Nistelberger, Joyce and Beadon rip through Weezer’s Pink Triangle. We also get a music history lesson, as Joyce explains how Rolling Stone magazine named the album 1996’s worst… and gave it five stars in 2006. But that was nothing in comparison to the grand finale. As Nistelberger apologises for the show running overtime, Eskimo Joe’s Joel Quartermain, Barney O’Donoghue and Katy Steele from Little Birdy, The Avenues’ Andy Lawson and Steve Parkin join the band on stage. The familiar guitar intro of Hunters & Collectors’ Throw Your Arms Around Me makes its way around the tightly-packed room and, before too long, the entire venue is singing at the top of its voice. As the all-star choir continues to sing, Nistelberger leaves the stage and makes his way through the crowd to his girlfriend before getting down on one knee, wide-eyed, ring in hand. How could anyone refuse? The happy couple share the moment as the crowd applauds a moment that brings a tear to the eye, of even the most cynical music critic.

As the gig quickly turns into an engagement party, the music kicks on with Good Little Fox. This indie-rock trio certainly look the part, with a vocalist wearing a Kasabianesque hat and a bassist in ripped jeans and a Smiths shirt. The majority of the set is very run-of-the-mill, but as the drummer’s hi-hat starts to open up and the bass develops into a groove, feet start tapping and heads start nodding. Give these guys some time and they’ll be one to watch.

Following GLF are The Bullet Holes, who have built a strong following through extensive touring over the past year. They’ve done well in band comps around the city and have started playing larger gigs and larger stages over the past couple of months. But have they got the goods to live up to all that? Yes and no. They’re not the most original band and are only just starting to get away from perennial comparisons to The Living End, but at the same time, they have the talent to do something big. Their stage presence is their main selling point and it’s hard not to enjoy watching, the band members struggle to make the most of being a three-piece and their sound seems weighed down by each member’s responsibilities. As their set draws toward its close, they play a punked-up version of happy birthday to a friend in the crowd, before launching into a final bracket of tunes that’s capped off with a cover of The Cure’s The Lovecats. Robert Smith would probably be rolling in his grave (he sleeps in one, doesn’t he?) as The Bullet Holes and guest vocalist Simon Fasolo (The Colors) tear one of the goth rockers’ most-loved tracks apart. Maybe it’s some kind of ironic statement, turning a rich and dainty work from one era and giving it new life as a powerchord punk tune… even so, it’s just not cricket.

Tonight’s headliners Institut Polaire are also in party mode, celebrating their recent signing to Popfrenzy. With the birthdays, engagements and guest appearances so far tonight, the atmosphere in the room is second to none and the septet have no trouble rising to the occasion. With three guitars, bass, trumpet, violin and drums all crammed onto the tiny stage, IP have no trouble using every spare cubic centimetre of space to put on a smooth and slick show. The good vibes around the venue reflect crystal clear on the faces of the band members as they work through a set of delightful pop numbers, including WAM Song of the Year City Walls and Empires.

Overall, all of the bands at tonight’s show will remember this gig for a long time. While The Fergusons took the opportunity to look back at a solid innings, Good Little Fox, The Bullet Holes and Institut Polaire will no doubt consider this one of their most memorable gigs as they go on to bigger and better things.