Live Review: Black Stone From The Sun, Big Orange, Kopano, Young Robin

For decades Fremantle has nurtured its lively music scene, hosting some of WA's most sought-after venues. Serving as a revival of the Norfolk Hotel basement (formerly known as The Odd Fellow), The Aardvark falls in line with this trend, breathing new life into the established Freo venue. What better way to formally kick off proceedings at the newly opened bar than with a massive launch party and a stack of talent to match.

Veering down the steep and narrow stairway of The Aardvark's entrance, the notion of the venue's "dive bar" status is immediate. The majority of the interior layout remains largely unchanged, however, the addition of booths and a retro arcade machine add a sense of personality to the space while keeping its warm, intimate atmosphere intact.

Big Orange were granted the honour of welcoming live music to The Aardvark, and delivered a 50-minute set filled with indie-pop goodness to start the night. But by the time the boys from Young Robin hit the stage, the crowd had truly swelled and the party was in full swing.

With the dancefloor packed to what would be its biggest size of the night, the pop-rock quintet showed why tracks off their latest EP ​Transitions have garnered close to 100,000 Spotify plays collectively. Vocalist Jed Begho oozed charisma during the set while delivering an impressive singing performance, backed at times by near-choreographed bopping from the accompanying members of the band. The upbeat tempo of their songs coupled with the energy, mateship and sheer good vibes that the band emit on stage, make Young Robin a pleasure to watch.

Talented female vocalist Kopano, aka Jemma Bradford, was next to grace the stage, pouring her soul out through her raw and passionate vocals while surrounded on stage by an ensemble of synths and keyboards. Despite the slightly dwindled size of the crowd, her set was highlighted by a sturdy rendition of Eurythmics classic, Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This).

In the wake of the release of their latest album, Dreamalysis, just last April, rock duo Black Stone From The Sun capped off the night's events wholeheartedly with a hard-hitting set.