Live Review: Flowertruck, Cody Munro Moore, Chakra Efendi, Soda Jerks, Emerson Snowe

A hidden gem in the hinterland of the Sunshine Coast, Humdrum Espresso acts as a hub for a dedicated group of enthusiastic supporters of Australian music. The brainchild of Keisha and Jack McMullen, Humdrum serves artisanal coffee, features local artwork, sports an independent florist and stocks merchandise from indie label Spunk Records. Recently, the Eumundi cafe has also started holding semi-monthly shows, starring both local and national talent. Having been graced by acts such as The Ocean Party, Scott & Charlene's Wedding and Michael Angelheart Band, locals are excited as ever to hear the next line-up consisting of Flowertruck, Cody Monro Moore, Soda Jerks, Emerson Snowe and Chakra Efendi.

The day sinks into twilight and the pilgrimage of Noosa Heads' secret indie crowd slowly start dripping into Humdrum, which is quickly becoming the most vibrant building on Eumundi's short main strip.

Chakra Efendi sets the scene for the indie-pop exhibition with a dynamic and engaging lo-fi set, encouraging the crowd to sit on the floor and ''get comfortable''. Which they do, and all are able to enjoy Chakra's melancholy chord changes and driving rhythms, slipping into dream states at their local cafe.

A last minute addition to the set, Brisbane's Emerson Snowe is a secret surprise for the coastal teens. Cruising through acoustic renditions of Emerson Snowe favourites and an array of semi-obscure covers (like Daniel Johnston's True Love Will Find You In The End), Jarrod Mahon stands alone and sings falsetto lullabies to the growing crowd sitting cross legged on the ground. Humdrum's lamp lit wooden walls and relaxed, artistic aesthetic pair perfectly with Mahon, and his minimalist performance will be the talk of Eumundi for a while now.

Picking up the mood and putting it into overdrive, Brisbane indie-pop outfit Soda Jerks take the crowd off the floor and have them jumping with catchy hooks, invigorating uses of melody, and pumping rhythm. Having taken a small break from the gigging circuit, many are keen to hear the 'new and improved' sound of the four-piece. James Gatling's relatable lyricism and impressive guitar work solidify him as another favourite for the night, and the audience sprint for the door on the last chord to cool off in the winter breeze.

Then it's time for the Sydney bands to take the limelight. The touring guys and girls had become very popular at the tightly knit party, and the anticipation to see Cody Munro Moore and his backing band after his release of No Matter How Hard two days prior is thick within the crowd. Moore doesn't disappoint. Gyrating his way through favourites like Perfume Nightmare, Moore jumps through his animated band and engages with the crowd like a star. Along with the spidery dance moves of bassist Charles Rushforth and the smooth saxophone of Sarah Sykes, Moore's dynamic set walks the line between energetic post punk and European dance music.

After a quick re-arranging of instruments, Moore's backing band take on their own moniker - one of the flagship bands of alternative Australian music, Flowertruck. After a long night and a rough sleep in the Foundry bunk beds, it's surprising to see the band so energetic on stage. Expertly jumping from hit to hit, Flowertruck banter with crowd members and own the stage with the familiarity of a local act. Rushforth sings loud and wide eyed, towering above the front row and connecting with those squeezed against the back wall. Will Blackburn's dance rhythms and Hamish Dobinson's jangling guitar has the crowd bouncing while Sykes soothes them with beautiful backing vocals, joined by the whole room in the catchy choruses of latest single Dying To Hear. Ending on the iconic track Sunshower, the line between audience and band lies in tatters as Rushforth employs members of the front row as mic stands and teens dance between the amplifiers. Flowertruck's headline show will stand as a night to be remembered for the dedicated fans that hide in the Noosa hinterland, and they can't wait to see who comes through their country town next!