Live Review: Tracksuit, Odette Mercy & Her Soul Atomics, Custom Royal, Helen Shanahan

The inside of Ya Ya's was sweltering against the cold night as the bar was packed by punters for Tracksuit's single launch, supported by much-loved guests gathering in a mish-mash of styles against Tracksuit's sunny modern rock. First to the small stage was Helen Shanahan and her band, swinging a short setlist with a powerful voice and a sweet image as they rocked single, Driftwood, and strong, grounded closer, Play The Fool (Maybe), to the rapidly swelling crowd.

Next up was Custom Royal, a four-piece outfit decked out in their best Mod revivalist skinny jeans and skinnier ties. Custom Royal serve decent, solid adolescent rock, with a notably British guitar sound and a side of guitar solo from talented lead, Dion Mariani, who casually chewed gum throughout the set. Following single, Sweet Disguise, the band produced a stunning nostalgic '90s dope rock song out of nowhere before seeking refuge in screeching riffs reminiscent of The Beatles' White Album work with an oddly Australian flavour, bringing handfuls of the audience up to dance.

Odette Mercy & Her Soul Atomics followed in sharp ska suits, the titular Odette Mercy draped in red velvet and black. As a performer she's larger than life – a wild, powerful voice with a metallic, androgynous quality pelted over the brassy, warm soul of the ensemble, and with the charisma and stage presence to dominate their set. Simon Montgomery slaughtered every saxophone solo to hearty applause. Soul Atomics are a group of absurdly talented, tight musicians who grabbed the audience and dragged them forward with the ease and gravity of veterans on the scene.

Finally Tracksuit took the stage, questionably plain at first glance until lead singer Steve Hensby opened his mouth to a gorgeous, near angelic voice. Casual and jovial, Tracksuit pounded through a chewy, quality rock set with a hint of shimmer. As the set went on their formerly rigid presentation loosened to jokes and a white bread, sunny sense of humour, culminating in the slightly overdone Destiny 2.0, a love song to an inflatable doll – played by request. The single, Dance (Looking For Romance), had the crowd up on their feet and dancing, closing to a cosy duet and inevitable sex jokes. Tracksuit are juvenile, sure, but upbeat, friendly and undeniable in their ability.