Live Review: Dustin Tebbutt, Robbie Miller, Woodes

Dustin Tebbutt's joint at Jack Rabbit Slim's in Northbridge gave the performer a chance to showcase his angelic vocals. The gig was very much a giant thank you note to the fans. Dubbing his musical career as a "project"; Tebbutt was well-measured and undeterred when showing off his music composition skills. Supported by the electronically supple Woodes and the Father John Misty-ish vocals and feel of Robbie Miller made for an enjoyable night and ultimately a celebration of ethereal pop-folk in all its forms.

Woodes' vocals emanated across the venue and had a hanging effect, with the vibes sustaining long after her set — that memorable in performance! She was more or less a reverse-poltergeist; vocals containing a haunting spirit giving off positive vibes. B movie comparisons aside, Woodes was definitely skilled at entwining the genres of electronica and pop at a magical crossroads.

Brisbane-based Robbie Miller gave the audience ye olde, no-nonsense, earthy folk tinted with the frankness of an old, American rail-riding vagabond. Sharing some interesting stories, Miller came off as an accomplished songwriter and showman; giving off a humble aura. Sharing one song that he said he wrote while on the road and didn't have a title for yet, Miller helped up the ante.

Dustin Tebbutt arrived on stage to meet yells from numerous punters showing adoration. The set had a rocky start, with a small crowd of onlookers conversing loudly and comparing Tebbutt to Harry Potter. The floor did open up, eventually, for Tebbutt, which allowed him to pepper his set with old songs and new; an ardent, emotional back-and-forth between happy and sad.

Smashing out songs First Light, Give Me Tonight and crowd favourite Bones, Tebbutt gave off a measured assuredness as a musician, masterfully articulating commonplace emotions on stage. Woodes made a guest appearance, making for a satisfying vocal duet with Tebbutt and complementing his vocals with ease. Tebbutt capped off his performance with a revved-up rendition of The Breach, featuring a double chorus and a rock'n'roll-infused tenacity. The set showed how far Tebbutt has come as a performer, and ultimately how much further he can go.