Live Review: Mick Thomas & The Roving Commission, Eagle & The Wolf, Rich Davies

Rich Davies performs with the kind of impassioned earnestness that is so expressive that it almost invites ridicule, but it's hard to argue with the sincerity of his fervour and the results. When Davies steps into a crowd and bellows his melodies from the silence (without even a hint of instrumental accompaniment or amplification), only the hardest of hearts could remain unaffected. Tonight's crowd stood in near-complete silence throughout his set, which was further enriched by the contributions of fellow singer-songwriter Ayleen O'Hanlon, and the sense of appreciation and admiration was palpable.

By contrast, it was almost impossible to appreciate the humanity or artistry of Eagle & The Wolf's performances. Comprised of two of the country's finer singer-songwriters in Sarah Humphreys and Kristen Lee Morris, the duo's talents were nevertheless completely obscured by a bizarre sound mix that saw Morris's electric guitar amplified far above Humphrey's acoustic as well as both singers' vocal microphones. As a result, instrumental counter-melodies clearly intended to be decorative were instead rendered as ear-splitting - with vocals and chord progressions washed away into indistinction. With cuts like Mama, Son And The Holy Ghost, there are glimpses of the pair's true quality.

Mick Thomas & The Roving Commission encountered no such dramas. Their sound blossomed with the same sense of craft and detail that has typified Thomas' songwriting for decades. This is especially fortunate, as throughout tonight's performance we saw a consistent and genuine warmth from the veteran songwriter's collection of followers. The crowd conduct themselves - and are ultimately treated - with the affection and familiarity of friends and family; more than just fans. Frankly, it would have been tragic for anything like an unflattering mix to stand in the way of that sense of community and appreciation.

None of which is to say that Thomas didn't acquit himself as the star performer audiences have come to adore. Whether kicking out Weddings Parties Anything classics, airing solo singles, covering Courtney Barnett and vintage '60s pop, or letting O'Hanlon (pulling double-duty in Thomas's backing band) show her own in North Of Nowhere, Thomas and crew were in consistently sterling form tonight. But, if there's a memory of the night that will last, it will be that familial sense of love, pride and community.