Kicking off Saturday night was Nik Thompson of 44th Sunset. Equipped with a guitar and a laptop, Thompson played a solo set of tremulous baritone and goofy confidence.

Rainy Day Women were up next, beginning their set with crowd favourite My Poor Mind. Featuring guest vocals from their friend Carmen Pepper, Rainy Day Women’s set was tight, sophisticated and straight-forward. 

Bringing the energy up early in the set with her first single release, Known Better, Meg Mac confided in the audience about how good it felt to be a ‘real singer’ now that she had released an EP.

Showing her deep-seated roots in soul music, she offered up an impressive interpretation of Bill Withers’ Grandma’s Hands, which has become a favourite since its recent release. At its apex, the song sounded far bigger than the sum of its parts. Only three instrumentalists were contributing to the sound, yet sonically it seemed orchestral. Mac’s younger sister was the only other vocalist present, yet the voices seemed to be in their dozens. The rendition proved to be R&B at its finest.

Ever the older sister, she made sure to single out her backing vocalist, ensuring that Hannah was suitably embarrassed by the recognition. Mac then tarred-and-feathered her further by letting everyone know she was the only member on stage that had not previously lived in Perth.

Fans were sure to recognise Broods’ Bridges and Every Lie; however, the real treat of the evening lay in the performance of Saint Philomène. Sung in French, accompanied only by her own vocal loop, Mac’s ode to a long-lost lucky charm had the entire venue captivated.

The set, of course, would not be complete without Roll Up Your Sleeves, which saw everyone clapping, singing and cooing along with such vigour and delight that the song’s finish saw everyone crying for an encore. Alas, there was none, and we’ll have to wait for her to come back. 

Though technically Melbourne and Sydney have equal claiming rights (which we reluctantly acknowledge), Meg will always have a home here in Perth, and it was wonderful to see her welcomed back with such ubiquitous appreciation. The roses thrown onstage were well deserved.