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Vampire Weekend first jumped into our faces back in the beginning of 2008, sporting a massive grin with the release of their self-titled, debut album. Since then they have gathered a myriad of fans the world over with their catchy, retro-pop-inspired melodies and contagious charm.

The New-York-indie-rockers have been in the country promoting their brand new album Contra (due out in January next year). Last night a lucky few Triple J listeners got the chance to see the lads in action at Notes on Enmore (formerly Notes Live) for a special live recording for Triple J TV on the ABC.

This was my first time at Notes on Enmore and I must admit I was pleasantly surprised by the venue. It's much larger than some city-based venues like Spectrum and the Oxford Art Factory and is better-designed for sound.

Much in the same way that they made their splash onto the scene back in 2008, Vampire Weekend hit the stage with vibrant animation and infectious glee. The band showcased a selection of tracks from their new album, including Horchata and the brand newie Cousins (which has a very cool video), along with crowd favourites from their debut release.

Those familiar with the sound of Vampire Weekend would be well aware that there are next to no "relaxed moments" in their music. Their recordings are continuously and unceasingly vibrant and their live performance is no different. The band has a sustainable intensity that on paper would seem like too much for an audience to take in all at once... and yet I was okay with the lack of relaxed musical interlude - this is not something that all bands can pull off. Highlights from the set included the ode to New York bus route M79, the almost psychotically energetic A-Punk and the traditional set-closer Walcott.

If you could some up Vampire Weekend in one short word, it would be "fun". The band exudes seemingly limitless energy and are masters of audience participation. They will remove the guard of your dignity and you'll find yourself almost uncontrollably shaking your tush in the midst of the crowd.

Keep your eyes peeled for the gig in the near future on the ABC and as part of Triple J TV.

Youngie d - _ - b
SMP

Without a doubt the best live shows are the ones that both entertain and uplift you and leave you with a satisfied grin planted conspicuously between your cheeks. Nobody can pull this off quite like Jack Diaz.

For the last four years, Los-Angeles-born Diaz has called Sydney home whilst studying music at C3 College. In 2007 she released her debut EP (available on iTunes) and since then has serenaded many with her enchanting solo gigs across Sydney, including a recent appearance at The Basement.

But as amazing as her solo performances are, we've all been left wondering just what a performance from Jack would be like with support from an ensemble.

On Sunday night Jack Diaz launched her new album Jasmine Rice to a full-house of fans and, to the delight of the crowd, was supported by a mixed-bag of equally as talented musicians, including a percussionist, a string quartet and an accordionist.

Opening the set with the lovesick lullaby Pitter Patter, Jack and her band set the tone for a warm and highly caffeinated evening. Other highlights from the set were the leg-smackingly good Pause & Reflect (where Matt the percussionist swapped all his fancy-shmancy equipment for all but his hands and thighs) and the title track from the album Jasmine Rice captivated all with soft strings and sugary sweet vocals. Jack's cover of Diana Ross' If We Hold On Together plucked from The Land Before Time soundtrack also had many an "eighties kid" whisked back to their childhood for a good ol' reminisce.

If the extent of her creativity wasn't already evident by the last song of the evening, then it was certainly made clear when Jack took to a specially-crafted prop in the shape of a hot air balloon, saluted her audience and (through the use of some clever, on-stage trickery) "floated off" into the cardboard clouds. By the end of the set, even though the seats were made of rigid plastic and floor of hard timber, I couldn't help but feel I had sunken into a big marshmallow bean bag and had been gently carried away by the breeze.

Jack Diaz is adorably eccentric. Her melodies are clever and catchy and her lyrics are deeply honest. In a few short years she has blossomed from a cute, coffee-shop acoustic folk singer into to a unique and well-polished songwriter and multifaceted artist. Jack and her live show is now certainly a major contender for larger stage space and venues.

Youngie d - _ - b
SMP

(Images courtesy of James Dear)

I've been a fan of Bird Automatic for a number years now. Stumbling across their music on MySpace one winter's evening I knew I'd come across something special. Last night's gig at Spectrum, however, was the first time I'd even seen the indie-poppers play live... and they didn't disappoint.

So, I'll admit it: I was a little late for the gig... but when I did arrive at the packed venue I was immediately whisked away back to that first winter's night when Bird Automatic's simple, catchy lines and tight melodic construction demanded my attention all those years ago.

Highlights from the set included Suburbs (their most well-known song to date), as well as All About The Money and a cover of Australian Crawl's classic Reckless (with a slightly altered chord progression in the chorus). It was also great to see the chaps from Brown Bear (BA's main support for the evening) take to the stage again for a rousing rendition of crowd favourite Can't Sleep.

Bird Automatic are currently on an east-coast tour of their new EP: Not Morning People - the follow-up to their self-titled EP of last year. Check out birdautomatic.com for tour dates

Not Morning People is available in stores and from iTunes.

Youngie d - _ - b
SMP