Live Review: Angus & Julia Stone, Angie McMahon

Within an instant of picking up her guitar and kicking off the night, Angie McMahon immediately reminded me just how astonishingly good the Australian music scene is.

Among the plethora of promising up-and-coming acts, this young artist can still set herself apart with just a guitar and an expansive vocal range.

Tracks like the unreleased Pasta ascended from sombre and brooding to hip swaying, Alabama Shakes levels of catchiness. Her latest single Missing Me still gives her new-song jitters as she admitted, "It's fun to play that one 'cause it feels terrifying." It was also during this song that - due to its moments of sparse silence - it became hard to ignore the loudly talkative audience. Reverent attention is sure to come her way though, especially if the huge reaction to closing jam Slow Mover is anything to go by.

Bohemian outfits and trendy beards populated the sold-out crowd as Angus & Julia Stone then took to the stage to begin an emotional, heart-warming show. It was a slow build from the seasoned live performers, who were just silhouettes as densely layered guitars swirled and echoed. This built to an extended banjo solo and a few trumpet solos from Julia herself that got the crowd worked up. Julia also expertly played band leader to her brother and the four other band members joining them.

The emotional focal point of the night came when the brother-sister duo performed alone for Santa Monica Dream. Julia started with the opening guitar line before stopping suddenly. She took to the mic to explain how the video compilation playing behind them was of their grandparents "falling in love" over the years and that their grandmother was in the crowd. They resumed playing and - as if the emotional sentiments of her speech weren't enough - the performance was masterful. They barely finished the song before embracing as rapturous applause filled the room.

Fan favourites and big singalongs followed with Big Jet Plane, For You and Chateau leading the pack before jamming it out with Angus's Dope Lemon tune Uptown Folks.

Angus & Julia Stone ooze with sincerity and openness. Their tales of love are engaging without ever feeling contrived and help add weight to each track performance. It ensures a heartfelt show that leaves you excited for more but also wanting time to reflect on the emotional rollercoaster they just took you through.