Live Review: Bob Evans, Tigertown, Davey Lane

It's 9pm and the crowd at the Corner can only be described as sparse when Davey Lane takes the stage. Not that he seems to mind. In fact, he seems oblivious to our presence, instead concentrating on the multitude of tasks at hand. He's playing as a one-man band tonight, constantly switching instruments and changing levels. It has to be said that this distraction detracts somewhat from the performance. Despite this Lane possesses a genuine charm as he belts out a couple of decent rock numbers, managing to fill the empty spaces with a combination of strong lyrics and the baby guitar.

First impressions of Tigertown is that these guys are smooth. Really smooth. They radiate a free spirited vibe which seems to hail from another decade, a result of a rich male/female vocal combination and lead singer Charlie's dress sense. In the 20 minutes following the last set the crowd has filled out to reach the back bar, creating an energetic backdrop worthy of the performance being given on stage. For any band, not just a young one, Tigertown possess an incredible calibre of togetherness and finesse – evident in both the songwriting and its delivery. As the night goes on Lions And Witches and All We Stand On emerge as favourites, leaving a lasting impression of a band with a bright future.

Thirty minutes later, Bob Evans (Kevin Mitchell) appears on stage. After opening with Footscray Park from his latest album, Familiar Stranger, an insight into what kind of show we're in for is given when Evans begins a chat with the crowd. Toting a guitar complete with Christmas lights and a bottle of red, Evans is relaxed, relatable and friendly. The crowd, now nearing capacity, soaks up the atmosphere. They sing along to favourites ranging from different points in Evans' lengthy catalogue, notable numbers being Nowhere Without You, Hand Me Downs and Don't Wanna Grow Up Anymore. The band then vacate, as Evans performs a moving rendition of Touch Myself in tribute to Chrissy Amphlett.

The intimacy is then turned up a notch as Evans leaves the stage to take a walk amongst the crowd. Taking time to cover the room while performing Darlin' Won't You Come, he dismisses a muffled shout with a wry “I'll tell the jokes tonight, mate”. It's a golden moment which epitomises his performance style. Following some reminiscing on Corner related memories, including the tale of meeting his future wife, the band rejoin Evans on stage. Together they make the next 40 minutes fly – time which includes an intense ten-minute jam.

The demand for an encore sees Evans return to stage alone once more. Asking for song requests, he selects fan 'Kate' to come on stage. He proceeds to teach her the basics of the harmonica before they perform Turn as a slightly fragmented duet. Kate takes it in her stride, making for a heartwarming spectacle laced with comedic value. As the audience enters an early morning stupor we're treated to one last number, Wonderful You. Wonderful being a fitting description of what has been a thoroughly memorable evening.