Brisbane's I Am Villain are off to a good start for such a young band, but their performance this evening presents a few problems for ironing out. For one, long song titles are so 2005 – even if they are cutely referencing things like Gone With the Wind and The Simpsons. Secondly, and perhaps a little more importantly, the band's vocalist has a little too much to say with not enough time to say it. This isn't to imply the guy is a loudmouth, but rather to describe his mile-a-minute delivery of prolix lyrics that he has attempted to squeeze into very small segments of very short songs. It's an interesting approach, but not one that favours the band's thrashy, Millencolin-esque take on pop-punk. A likeable set with plenty of energy, but the band have left room for improvement – and it's a space which they should fill quickly.

Sierra Montana were a part of this tour for one night only – a blessing, really, given the fact one couldn't help but feel that the other three bands might have pounded their heads into submission if they'd stuck around any longer. This weak, insipid pop-rock is the sound of what would happen if Switchfoot were beaten up by a gang consisting of Train, The Fray and The Script – in other words, middle-of-the-road music that makes you feel like swerving on the highway in order to directly hit. Sickly-sweet teenage poetry (“I wanna wake up with youuuuu!”) and painfully predictable chord progressions were met with dynamics intending to make the songs soar like a bird, instead making them plod like some kind of wombat. This is the kind of music that will never escape the clutches of a local Battle of the Bands, and for very good reason. Avoid at all costs.

Thankfully, business picked up significantly after being so rudely interrupted. It was time for the first of the two headlining bands, Melbournites Stealing O'Neal. The quintet are tight, energetic and full of good-natured humour as they crack jokes between themselves and the rest of the touring crew. The songs are punchy and driving, complete with a slab of memorable riffs and practically unforgettable chorus hooks. Babyfaced frontman Chris Scott was all smiles and positivity as he sung within a sweetened higher-range and high-fived the fans up front who were assisting him with every lyric, should he ever lose his place, by singing them as loudly as possible. That's the kind of band O'Neal are – easy to like, easy to sing along to and a particularly fun live prospect. Within their genre, that's about as close to perfection as you're going to get.

At last, it was time for The Mission in Motion – or “The Mish,” depending on whom you ask – to take to the stage. Kicking straight into “The Hand That Holds You Down,” the band were quick to get the disappointingly small crowd onside and engaged in the band's high-octane alternative rock. On their second tour within twelve months – last time with Valencia – the five-piece have tightened and developed into a slick, cohesive and exciting live band. Brett Islaub is much more confident and engaging as the leader of the group, slithering and shaking in time to the four-on-the-floor beats and slicing dual guitar. His vocals are spot-on, too, complemented nicely by guitarist Chris Maguire in tracks like “Believer” and “On the Wheel” from last year's excellent Somewhere Safe record.

The best thing about watching the band, however, has got to be their undeterred love for performing. It wouldn't matter if it was to a packed bar or only a few faithful fans up the front, you'd still get an exuberant and enjoyable set from the Mish – because it's what they do best, each and every time. The set wrapped up with “New Skin,” which saw Islaub perform entirely within the crowd and grab Chris from Stealing O'Neal to sing the chorus with him. Brotherhood, great music and a fun night out for all – you couldn't ask for a great deal more from these fine young acts.