Live Review: Joni In The Moon, Jacob Diamond

A surprisingly packed courtyard greeted punters at The Moon Cafe this Wednesday night, and as the cocktails were drunk and food devoured, it was easy to forget about the raging storm taking place outside.

Jacob Diamond casually set himself up behind the mic at 9pm and his performance encapsulated the humbled confidence and general happiness of a guy who just scored a cool ten grand by taking out the Big Splash Band Competition title just days before. Even in solo mode, it was easy to see how he took out the grand prize; his folky tunes were full of character and his tones outstanding. A usual band member joined in here and there adding various beats while Diamond himself added a vocal loop in one particular track, but nothing was lost when it was just him and his guitar. "Everything's changed, nothing's as it used to be," he sang in emotional fashion, and Blue Begets Blue was a great tune, Diamond's voice soaring with purpose over charged guitar playing, and all of a sudden it felt over before it had begun.

There was a fair wait between acts, but as soon as Joni Hogan of Joni In The Moon opened her mouth, none of that mattered. From the get-go, she was completely captivating. Opening with a purely beautiful a cappella piece titled Staring At Flowers, one could only sit there in awe as Hogan powered through with vocal precision. It was phenomenal, and the high standard would continue throughout the set. Joined by regular band member Tara John on keys, the duo played through the very twinkly-sounding L'il Star and tracks detailing strong subjects. There was a sombre chuckle around the room as Hogan expressed her disdain for Tony "Scabbott" and his treatment of asylum seekers; Saving Grace was dedicated to her girls, while newest track, War & Porn, felt deep and saw her at the limits of her vocal range for what was a brilliant track. The raw emotion of Hogan, however, was the highlight of the set, as she paused on several occasions and even teared up as she became so caught up in the moment. It was fulfilling to see such a talented artist with her heart so blatantly on her sleeve, especially considering the low-key vibes of the gig itself. Leaving the woozy warmth of the venue, it truly felt like one had just witnessed a very special performance.