Middle KidsMelbourne's Tram Cops begin their set by thanking the traditional owners of the land on which we all gather tonight. As punters slowly gather in front of the stage, the psych-rock group kick into gear equipped with smooth rock tunes boasting punchy bass and complemented by a sultry horn section. Saxophone and trumpet make an appearance on almost every track, painting a pleasurable picture in your mind's eye of sailing down the ocean on a fancy yacht, martini in hand. Their ever-changing tempos of crooning jazz and distorted guitar keep everyone on their feet. Singer Michael Vince Moin tells of how he stumbled on Tim Fitz from Middle Kids' EP seven years ago, describing his awe and gratitude for being the band's opener tonight. Tramp Cops are quirky and fun, engaging the room from start to finish.
The room is packed and buzzing as Sydney's Middle Kids arrive on stage in a sea of colour for their sold-out Melbourne show. Hannah Joy's ethereal vocals soar through the air and fill every corner with Your Love, the stage wash drenched in pink and blue. Everyone gives the band their undivided attention, including the unborn child of a pregnant woman to our right who notices this music is making it kick, and we just know that kid's going to grow up with a fabulous music taste. Fan-favourite Old River is a standout. Edge Of Town erupts like a ticking time bomb into an explosion of flashing lights, strobes and cymbal crashes as fans scream, "Hey, guy, have you got something on your mind," alongside Joy. A cover of Blink 182's All The Small Things seems to be a confusing choice at first, but then turns into a perfect, sultry, slow and exceptional rendition that sees our mouths gaping in awe. Joy puts down the guitar for Fire In Your Eyes and Please to let her eccentric and quirky dance moves to shine through. She's a down-to-earth and confident frontwoman. A loud groan fills the room as Never Start is announced as their final song and, even before the band leave the stage, the encore chants begin.
"I'm gonna tell you, we don't have another song," Joy laughs as she returns to the stage moments later to play an impromptu unrecorded song "about cats". As the final chord rings out, the performance concludes. But we still want more.
