Nikki Thorburn is Iluka, a chanteuse of the bell-bottomed, hippy-dippy variety. She leans wholeheartedly into this aesthetic with songs like ‘Blue Jean Baby’, simultaneously recalling both the dearly missed Lanie Lane and the myriad of ’40s/’50s influences she inherited herself.

It’s admittedly nothing new – every band on every corner is testament to time as a flat circle – but what gets Thorburn’s music across the line is her voice and the capabilities it holds. As she takes off on any number of high-end runs, one can’t help but be impressed by the control and resonance of her vocals.

She’s followed by what Monty Python may describe as something completely different: The Football Club, tonight making their Sydney debut. Although friends from their home state have tagged along for the ride – gently heckling from the first few rows – it’s worth noting the group has amassed a small but dedicated following already. Songs such as ‘You And Your Friends’ and closing number ‘Ivy’, in particular, showcase the versatility and duality of the Club’s sound. They’re emotional, vulnerable songs, but they’re also unafraid to show their proverbial teeth – as well as sink them in when the moment calls.

It was just around this time last year that the name Alex Lahey was being bandied about as one to remember by anyone worth their salt within Australian music. Let the record show that all who invested at that point have had it pay off in spades. Put it this way: Lahey’s debut EP, B-Grade University, had four of its five songs released as singles – and the one leftover (‘L-L-L-Leave Me Alone’) totally could have been.

As a performer, Lahey is inherently relatable to her audience of primarily millennial uni students – perhaps the biggest cheer of the night goes up for when she dedicates ‘Ivy League’ to them. She also has the talent and the vivacity to go pound-for-pound with any other rock band doing the circuit right now – newer songs like the hilariously titled ‘Perth Traumatic Stress Disorder’ and ‘Love You Like A Brother’ rollick along with frenetic energy and show great promise for the impending debut LP.

Lahey’s truly feels like an underdog story, which is what makes the final sing-alongs to ‘You Don’t Think You Like People Like Me’ and ‘Let’s Go Out’ all the sweeter. Here’s to many more sold-out nights out, mate.

Alex Lahey played Hudson Ballroom on Friday May 12.

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