Porpoise Spit are a band with a sense of fun and exuberance occasionally lacking in punk/alternative circles. They sing odes to chicken Twisties and being 2SXC4THASPRMRKT, but their solid musicianship and devotion to the cause keep them from veering into novelty band territory. Karl Stefanovic At The Logies Drunk is a great, uproarious closer. 

Neighbourhood Youth make a kind indie-rock, alternative, shoegaze, post-punk hybrid. They have a decent sense of dynamic, although at times they could do more with their dual guitars, which often mirror each other, settling for things that could be achieved with one guitar. Press Club’s Frank Lees is pulling double duty tonight, doing an admirable job of filling in on drums. Recent songs like Stay Safe and Aim For The Head show promise.

Press Club play with the purpose of a band that's going places. They’ve grown a lot in a short space of time and the fervour of the fans gathered at tonight’s sold out show at the Tote suggest they’ll grow a lot more. Established favourites from debut album Late Teens like Headwreck and My Body’s Changing inspire singalongs and spontaneous mid-song clapping.

The band is previewing songs from their follow-up tonight. The new songs sound more melodic without sacrificing any of the band’s potency. A new one introduced as 'Obsessing' is a particular highlight, a song about neuroticism and longing that is sure to bring new fans into the fold. At times the new stuff even sounds joyful, in contrast with their earlier material’s focus on disappointment and decay. 

The clear star of the show – the one who elevates Press Club above so many of their contemporaries – is singer Nat Foster. She’s an electrifying presence with a big voice and a wild mane. She’s constantly shaking her head and pushing her hair around as if she doesn’t know what to do with her hands while expressing so much emotion. It’s the perfect visual accompaniment to her powerful howl.

The band’s signature song (so far) Suburbia is treated tonight like a Smells Like Teen Spirit-level generation-defining anthem. Guitarist Greg Rietwyk’s clean Rickenbacker tones drag out an extended intro before launching into a glorious rendition, the rapturous response to which suggests Press Club will soon be selling out bigger venues than the Tote.