Tales in Space kicked things off, albeit a little later than most would have assumed, with a high energy and technically supreme show. The three-piece swept through older tracks like Shades as well as a few off the new album, keeping with the themes of smart electronica and ambient indie-rock that are already drenched throughout their impressive discography.
Keeping the local flag flying, the South Coast's Jenny Broke The Window were next. The room probably wasn't as full as they deserved but it felt it when Sam Lathlean bopped around in double denim, pouring out infectious indie-pop that had everyone dancing, while percussionist Todd Simpson played admirably despite being confined to crutches. Rum 'n' Cola remains the gem of their set but it's hard to fault any of their songwriting and its overtly happy nature translates well live.
Kingswood took the Hi-Fi back a few generations with genuine rock and roll, and not just with the songs they played. The ferocity with which they played and intensity with which they brought the crowd up was reminiscent of the braver rock bands of the '60s and '70s. Guitarist Alex Laksa sprang up with a huge, lengthy guitar solo in the middle of So Long – it was probably ten minutes long but the band were egging him on and nobody on the ground floor was anything but in awe of his fast hands and power stances.
Fergus Linacre has one of if not the best high-pitched rock growls in Australia and put it under the spotlight with Yeah Go Die before Alex Laksa once again stole the show with an impressive solo. Putting a reggae twist on the end of crowd favourite Ohio capped off the set many felt privileged to see.