Port O’Brien have enjoyed a wild ride this year and it’s difficult to think of a band that fosters a more inclusive atmosphere than that generated tonight.

The potent camaraderie exhibited on stage (aside from the fair Cambria who was less a luminous centrepiece more an aloof occupier of dead space) bleeding into the crowd as frontman Van Pierszalowski urged everyone to stamp and sing along, even inviting as many people as possible to join the band on stage for the boisterous finale of ‘I Woke Up Today’.

The autobiographical ‘Fisherman’s Son’ was a highlight - Van howling into the mic with pinched, ragged intensity - as was new tune ‘Sour Milk and Salt Water’ which suggests even better things await the group. Great tunes, much fun had by all.

Oliver Downes