Live Review: Nai Palm, Demon Days, Spencer Arbuckle

Rosemount Hotel transforms into a low-key jazz/blues club via this evening's line-up, which made for an audibly interesting night.

Spencer Arbuckle was the first act. With elements of improvisation making Arbuckle and his outfit seem like a distant cousin of a classic jazz act, the sudden changes of rhythm, sound and style may have unsettled some punters not used to this unique pacing. A stylistic chameleon - moving between a pastiche of alt-J, Tame Impala and smooth, saxy jazz - the band did quite well.

Demon Days followed suit with vocals reminiscent of Amy Winehouse. They presented a vivacious live set and it was uncanny to see a sizeable crowd of 20-somethings morph into an army of appreciative jazz cats. Lead vocalist Bella Nicholls' enthusiasm was clearly infectious as was her interpretive dancing.

We waited a while for Nai Palm to show up and there was anticipation in the air. Finally emerging with backing vocalists Laura Christoforidis, Jace Excell and Alejandro Abapo, and armed with a guitar that would not look out of place in a glam-rock band, her vocals soared and soothed. At times punters were left audibly elated and pleasantly surprised.

But other qualities also made it a memorable night. Nai Palm's between-song banter was endearing and she told us she had the good fortune of playing in Jimmy Hendrix's London apartment recently. There's something raw about Palm's music and paired with her crowd interaction this show was something to be appreciated.

After a slew of eclectic improvisational guitar solos elevated by backing vocals, the audience was eager for more. Palm was generous enough to provide an encore. While playing her final tunes, the crowd were captivated as they made the most of these last moments.