Live Review: Dick Diver, Twerps, The Stevens

The bands haven't even started playing yet and already there's a line of people outside and around the corner. Tonight shows just how strong the Melbourne live music scene is at the moment – all three bands have been plugging away for a while and tonight have a sold out Corner Hotel to show for it. It's fantastic to see such a turnout and it makes for a great feeling of unity amongst the crowd.

First up are The Stevens, playing the most energetic set of the night to an already packed room. They cover most of their recently re-released self-titled EP and a handful of new songs off their upcoming album. Their half-hour show, like their songs, is short and sharp and has a lot of people moving. After some rough shows over the summer – poor sound at Laneway, a disrupted Meredith set – Twerps are back where they're at their best: playing indoors to a full room. They're testing out some new material too, sounding even more relaxed than their already laidback songs. He's In Stock and their breakthrough song, Dreamin, are both highlights of a fantastic set, getting many in the crowd dancing or bopping their heads.

As the curtains open on Dick Diver, bassist Al Montfort stands centre stage to kick off the set with the driving bassline from Bondi 98 before the rest of the band starts up as the whole stage is revealed. The set shows off most their latest album, the excellent Calendar Days, with a few choice cuts from their debut, New Start Again. They change instruments around here and there – Calendar Days sees drummer Steph Hughes on guitar and lead vocals, while later they introduce keys and saxophone for Blue & That.

For Lime Green Shirt, Hughes leaves the drums until later in the song, allowing the lush guitars more room to spread out. It's little changes like this that make Dick Diver such a rewarding live experience. Montfort's banter and ad libs are fantastic too – “get your sax back!” he exclaims after finishing Head Back with a saxophone solo. Past Dick Diver shows have been lax affairs; sometimes it seems like they're almost about to fall apart. But tonight they show that they've managed to smooth the rougher edges without losing any of their charm.