From the moment Jeremy Neale and his band took the Side Bar stage, the crowd knew they were in for energetic rock'n'roll, with the four men ploughing into their first song with a jolt of electric guitar and a sweet beat. Armed with The Preatures' Luke Davison on drums and decked out in matching black skivvies and grey suit jackets, the boys from Brisbane oozed joy as they twisted and turned like a '60s pop band. Neale's infectious smile radiated during Winter Was The Time and their strongest song, Darlin', had everyone on their feet while the band enjoyed every lyric. The outfit is Neale's solo side-project from powerhouse Velociraptor and offers up the same upbeat feel infused with brighter pop – a basic formula that is enjoyable, easy to dance to and almost impossible to ignore.

Jeremy Neale's capacity for sweetness was matched, if not exceeded, by The Preatures' frontwoman Isabella Manfredi's capacity for sensuality. Her jacket only made it halfway through the first song of the set before it was off, as she made eyes with every individual in the room as she slid it to the ground. With deep vibrato and gaze, the poised performer lulled the Cambridge crowd with her spell before Gideon Bensen took the mic for the masculine contingent of the band's repertoire. The swagger was here – armed with a guitar, he moved about the tiny stage with confidence, equalling Manfredi's eye contact with an intensity that had the Side Bar right there with him.

About halfway through their 45-minute set, they delivered the bombshell Take A Card and the room was electrified with what is obviously their most popular song. Manfredi played keys, delivering the vintage organ while Bensen strutted his way around stage – both taking turns stepping to the centred microphone for an interchange of sexual tension. While the band has effectively mastered the live male/female connection, Manfredi beautifully internalises the lyrics of Hero, standing still with eyes closed amidst the testosterone excitement behind her – an interesting contrast as the set drew to a close.

Jeremy Neale and his troupe watched from prime front row position, eagerly groovin' along to every song as though no one was watching, with Manfredi even stepping offstage and watching Gideon and the boys play their solos. This highlighted how the main thing to take away from tonight was the sense of community.