Live Review: Vance Joy, Cub Sport, Jack River, Didirri

Despite the early start Didirri has those present immediately engaged with his mesmerising vocals. A throwback to the older generation of singer-songwriters, the longhaired Didirri captures the spirit of '70s era troubadours with his poetic lyrics and intoxicating folk compositions. The glorious Bird Sounds is a standout. This lad is really something special.

Jack River is here tonight for a special one-off performance before heading out on her own headline tour. Resembling Stevie Nicks in a gorgeous pink dress, the Sydneysider has an easygoing charm that infuses her indie-pop musings. Limo Song incorporates a country twang while an energetic cover of Tal Bachman’s She’s So High has her band wilding out. The driving Fool’s Good sounds just as good live as on record and brings her enjoyable set to a climactic end.

It’s clear to see why Brissie synth pop upstarts Cub Sport have become a favourite across the nation. While there’s a playful nostalgic tone to their music it’s the emotional and relevant lyrics covering everything from relationships to mental health that really hit home. They’re something along the lines of Tears For Fears fronted by George Michael. Vocalist Tim Nelson wears a '00s NASCAR jacket with no shirt and looks every bit the pop star he’s becoming. His dreamy tones complement the swirling '80s soundscapes created by his talented bandmates. Hawaiian Party receives a great cheer while their cover of Kanye West’s Ultralight Beam is impressive. 

Five years on from the success of hit single Riptide, Melbourne lad Vance Joy is now one of the country’s biggest stars. Despite only recently releasing his second album, the former footballer turned musician is headling not one, but two shows at Rod Laver Arena, something few big name Aussie solo artists can lay claim to. 

Packing out the venue are fans from all walks of life, with the curious collection of people including parents with their young kids, screaming teen girls and triple j and Nova listeners. Despite the generational gaps they all applaud as one as Joy appears on stage for acoustic opener Call If You Need Me. Joined by his band for the rollicking Mess Is Mine, Joy has the audience clapping along as the brass section goes into overdrive. 

The set is heavy with tracks from latest album, Nation Of Two, with Joy taking the time to explain the meaning behind many of his songs. Take Your Time - written in Malibu during a period of writer's block - features soaring harmonies, Little Boy is an autobiographical tale about Joy being involved in a bicycle accident as a youngster, while the prodding Like Gold is about reflecting on a past relationship. Joy gets everyone to put their phones in the air during I’m With You, lighting up the entire arena and creating a dazzling sight to behold.

Joy appears to be enjoying his time on stage as much as the audience watching, tapping his feet and grinning like he’s just been told he’s won the lotto. His infectious personality carries through into his music and it's hard not to like what he’s offering. Fire And The Flood has the audience back on their feet singing the chorus before the swelling ballad Georgia takes things down a notch. One Of These Days, Bonnie & Clyde and From Afar, one of the first songs Joy ever wrote, are all welcome, with four eager nearby teens screaming along during all three. 

A mash-up of Lionel Richie’s All Night Long and Justin Bieber’s Sorry works surprisingly well, although the younger members of the audience don’t quite seem to be familiar with Richie’s '80s classic. Thankfully, Joy doesn’t do encores and saves his biggest hits for the final three songs of the night. Riptide invokes a mass singalong, while an elderly couple are up and dancing during Lay It On Me. Fittingly, Saturday Sun brings things to a close, Joy strumming the ukulele as another singalong occurs. 

Looking as confident on the big stage as he does playing smaller venues, tonight’s performance solidifies Joy as one of Australia’s brightest talents and an artist who’s destined to dominate the music scene for decades to come.