Live Review: Run Rabbit Run, Sleepy Dreamers, Elliot Friend

First up, three-piece Elliot Friend provide a mild start to the evening. Their set is made up of transparent rock jams, which sound a bit unrehearsed. Benita Sullivan’s lead vocal tone is innovative, however.

Sleepy Dreamers serve up a diverse set, starting off with indie-pop anthems featuring buzzy, Aussie salt-of-the-earth vocals. The band ebb and flow through gentler songs and all band members take turns behind the mic. Their song Feathers starts off with a four-part harmony, reminiscent of an ocker Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons.

The Northcote Social Club stage is folked-up by Run Rabbit Run as they launch their single Down The Line – a majestic, folk-rock jam. Their gossamer acoustic picking yields to thunderous tom rolls, swirling Hammond organ, booming upright bass and desolate slide guitar, which all render a confident prelude. Michael Roberts is first to take the reins on lead vocals and gets the crowd moving with galloping, foot-stomping tracks such as Going Home and Wasted. Spotted among the punters are a few proud parentals, who eagerly participate in sing-along “la-di-dah” and “who-wah-oh” moments while grinning from ear to ear.

As Roberts swiftly swaps from acoustic guitar to mandolin, Jess Patterson, Marcus Jennings and Michael Palmer initiate a slightly jazzy interlude that proves a seamless transition into Wolves 1 and Wolves 2. Casey Martin takes the mic and the mood morphs into a sombre atmosphere with mellow, heartfelt ballads. Martin occasionally struggles with the pitch, but always reaches for the notes with gusto. The band provide homey charm with congratulation announcements during their performance: Tim and Maggie, who are in the audience tonight, get a shout-out for choosing to attend one of Run Rabbit Run’s first shows as their first date about two years ago. Run Rabbit Run’s rousing performance of Down The Line is comparable to the video single version. It’s time for another switcheroo and Roberts shows his versatility once again by swapping to banjo, while Martin flings on his harmonica brace.

Even before the band have fully left the stage, the enthusiastic crowd (prematurely) calls for a encore. Run Rabbit Run invite some members from tonight’s support bands to join them onstage and perform their final number. These special guest artists add a tender, tonal texture to the piece and a wistful finality to this evening’s proceedings.