Live Review: Tiny Little Houses, Darts, Jarrow

A small community of Jarrow fans hesitantly approached the front as a cowboy hat-wearing Dan Oke takes to the stage. The (noticeably unquestioned) flower-covered mic stand is ripped into by the band's very Australian-sounding garage pop, with a brilliant rendition of James Impala from recent album 2003 Dream. The band are casual and carefree as fans start moving along with the catchy riff in $$ Spoilers $$, inviting an easily accessible and playful start to the evening.

There's a brilliant feeling in the room as five-piece indie-rock band Darts approach their instruments. The girls look focused in their presentation while the two guys on drums and bass look like they're ready for a party. Screaming out belters from Below Empty & Westward Bound, the audience almost seem shocked by the wave of angst and wailing vocals that are now being forced upon them. Darts absolutely nail their performances of singles Aeroplane and Westward Bound, however there's an atmosphere in the room where we can't help but wonder why such a heavy band is opening for a gentle headliner.

Tiny Little Houses frontman Caleb Karvountzis walks out with his seemingly confident accomplices. The familiar chords of Lonely People cause a gradual sway in the crowd and a respectful 'warmness' floods the room. While unfortunate sound levels leave vocals somewhat drowned-out, the audience (or perhaps 'neighbourhood' to these houses?) have every word covered. We're now grooving to Snow Globe, before Song Despite Apathy initiates a friendly jostle between cheerful spectators. A gentle transition into You Tore Out My Heart calms the crowd. I Hate That You're Happy subtly gives us permission to feel the way the title suggests as Karvountzis sweeps that emo fringe from his eyes.

Similar to Neutral Milk Hotel in their folkish sound, Tiny Little Houses provide a soundtrack for your heartache and an invitation to a beach getaway at the same time. An awkward encore attempt (which is also somewhat endearing) sees the band return to the stage to perform crowd favourite/Kasey Chambers cover Not Pretty Enough.