Live Review: William Crighton, Melody Pool, Magpie Diaries

Howler has built a reputation as a live venue with a good vibe. The section that houses the stage has a couple of booths, but it's mainly standing room only. The fact that all three bands happily use Crighton's kit is telling. Singer Matt "Magpie" Johnston, from Magpie Diaries, says it best, "We're a family." Sparkly saxophonist Cassie Bofinger earns a nod in a gig already overloaded with highlights.

If only Melody Pool and boyfriend/bassist Christopher Dale could bottle their banter. Relaxed in an orange-striped T, wearing a black and white electric guitar, a feature of her set, Pool's back in her old hood. The drums pound slow, fast, soft, loud; the energy stretching between Dale and Pool like a rubber band.

"This is a bunch of new songs and it's my first time playing electric," Pool says. She expands later, "I often write songs that are letters to things... this next song is a letter to future children I may have." This poignant letter is the standout track. Pool takes full advantage of her new electric set-up with a pretty guitar solo. They play crowd pleaser Black Dog before a final, heavier song. She's "going metal now", Dale jokes.

A doofy beat plays over the speakers as the drummer tests the snare, with audience chatter reaching a crescendo. William Crighton is in the house. "We are family. I feel that," he says, with Dale taking on guitar tech duties. With 15 musicians on stage across the night (including Pool twice - providing backing vocals for Crighton) there's little room to acknowledge everyone, but the musicianship is just top notch. Despite Crighton's attempts to share the stage generously, especially with the crowd, the spotlight falls heavily on him, with wife Julieanne matching his intensity.

"How good is it to be with friends," Crighton banters to rowdy cheers. He's among his people and the crowd know the words to most songs, many off his new LP Empire. He plays for a good hour and a half, spanning multiple guitars, keys and mouth organs, and that doesn't include his band. He stalks the stage during Jesus Blues, which features a sweet guitar solo, On My Way the highest peak in a night that was a musical mountain range.

"Evil doesn't exist, good, on the other hand, is at your fingertips", Crighton sings, wrapping the night. His performance evokes an intensity not seen since Peter Garrett gyrated around the stage to Beds Are Burning, channelling the spirit of one Kelly and the ghost of another. There's much more to say, but Crighton says it best, "I'm not talking about Adelaide right now, I'm here with you," and that's the truth.