Following Julia Why? was A Casual End Mile, who I was aware had been playing gigs around Sydney, but hadn’t made it to one yet. Unfortunately, her guitar had broken just as she was about to start and she had to resort to using an electric guitar. This somewhat lessened the effect but it still sound great, leaving me with no other option but to see her again soon in full flight with an acoustic guitar. Her songs and vocals were entrancing and hypnotic, with her guitar work sparse and repetitive drawing out her voice and the lyrics they carry. The intimate beginning to Rumours was slowly coming to a close.

Desire the Horse took the stage in a somewhat striking manner, all members of the band clashing and contrasting in fashion. The band consists of two singers, who at times sung together and at others alone. The oestrogen-filled first half of the line-up really could have gone forever, with the vocals so pleasant to the ear. Desire the Horse - despite their quirky attire - did write good songs and warmed up the audience for what was ahead.

Next up were Paper Moon, who began their set with a strange acappella number; slightly left-field and not something that you would see that often in music today. The opening acapella song did help silence the crowd, and ensured some respect from the punters. Unfortunately, the climax occurred too early for Paper Moon, who failed to reach the potential that I had envisioned from the first song. Others that seemed to be waiting for next band, Hattie Carrol, did seem to enjoy it though with several people visibly toe tapping and the occasional head bobble. The band did have a fair amount of stage presence with the bass player constantly moving around the stage like a puppet controlled by beat, strong evidence of their blues rock style. I also can’t deny that the singer has a spectacular voice, which was clearly evident in the opening track. Respect also has to be given for shortening their set to remain on schedule, a very thoughtful act.

One possible reason for Paper Moon cutting their set short was for Hattie Carroll, who were playing their first gig. The band are interesting in sound and in ideas, and in my honest opinion they have potential. Their sound varies from song to song, which in some ways is possibly their strength but can also be their weakness. The songs varied, with some numbers having a country tinge with a slightly unexpected and quite enjoyable sound. Hattie Carroll had the biggest crowd of the night, and for a band playing their first gig, this is something that would boost your confidence on something you have worked on a lot. I wouldn’t mind seeing this band again in the later half of the year after they have played a few more shows, to see if the newer songs take on that slightly odd jangle-pop style which appeared once, or if the songs continue like the majority of their set. Being young there is still plenty of time to mature as a band on the stages of Sydney as they find and acquire their sound.

Closing out the night were Sooners, with a somewhat distinctive voice that can be likened to that of Paul Dempsey of Something for Kate. Im not sure if The Sooners are particularly my kettle of fish, but I can certainly see the appeal for some, with their dark and brooding songs along with the deep and pensive vocals of the band's singer. Something I did enjoy was the keyboard sounds the band was using, which complimented the guitar well. The keyboard tone further exaggerated the pensive and questioning style the band has created, through the use of arpeggios and sparse instrumentation.