Live Review: The Smith Street Band, Joyce Manor, Cheap Girls, Milhouse

As beloved a band as they are, it was hard to feel anything but positive after Milhouse performed what has been cited to be their last performance in Sydney. On top of being one of the most lovable collections of performers, the camaraderie that existed between them, their fans and The Smith Street Band (whom – after having been joined on stage by frontman Wil Wagner – they performed a cover of) was contagious – being a part of the audience felt like really being a part of something big.

While perfectly apt performers, Cheap Girls weren't quite as memorable as the other names on the bill. That's not to say they weren't up to scratch; they overcame some slightly offensive sound glitches with ease and nonchalance whilst demanding the full attention of the audience despite having a less solid following than that of the remainder of the line-up.

Though perhaps not the warmest of performers, what Joyce Manor lacked in the gift of the gab (their introduction was not to the audience; rather a semi-polite request that the sound guy eliminate the “crazy lighting”) they made up for tenfold with their lively short and fast performances, met with equal vigour by a highly receptive audience.

It's never a dull moment with The Smith Street Band on stage, and their performance on the evening ensured that tradition was kept alive. Wagner's welcoming stage presence prompted an active participation from the crowd, which would eagerly repeat each and every lyric Wagner huskily bellowed.

Talk of The Annandale's demise has been going on for quite some time now, but we can all count our lucky stars that the little pub on Parramatta Road has kept its doors open for bands, fans and punters alike – particularly given the near faultless line-up Saturday evening.