The Kite Machine were the sole reason I braved the cold, wet Melbourne weather on Friday night. I heard rumour of the Geelong based rockers stellar live performance and needed to see it for myself.

The curtains parted to reveal the singer, fresh off an international tour supporting pop royalty Billie Eilish, standing among floral bouquets.  She wandered among the blooms, filling the room with bright energy, as the audience swayed, bounced and bopped.

On the north side of town, The Croxton Bandroom was hosting a stellar lineup of VOIID, Loser and Bugs.

Illuminated under a red glow, The Night Cat stage perched in the centre of the room, calling in fans and music fiends. It was officially beanie and flanny weather as the punters arrived.

The Forum lights flickered in the Thursday evening air as the crowd took shelter from the recent cold weather. Walking into the venue, there is something magical in the abyss of the blue roof that doesn’t diminish, no matter how many times you see it. The Forum can feel like a moment frozen in time and is probably why it remains the favourite venue to host Melbourne’s live music of all genres.