By Jason Beardsley

Artist: Vance Joy with special guest Gretta Ray

Date / Venue: Wednesday November 22nd, 2017 - The Forum, Melbourne

Living in Melbourne, you soon become acquainted with the cities love affair with Australian Rules Football and the arts. It's not often though that you hear of a rising star of the game becoming an award winning songwriter and performer. Welcome to the world of 'Riptide' hitmaker Vance Joy. Tonight we were lucky enough to be in attendance for his sold out show at Melbourne's Forum Theatre.

After making our way 360 degrees around the theatre in a large crowd full of excited and energetic young concert goers, we enter the room to lay eyes on the first act of the night, Melbourne Indie / Alternative artist Gretta Ray.

The young 19 year old is coming off a meteoric rise in 2016 winning the Triple J Unearthed High radio competition and the Vanda and Young songwriting competition. It's no wonder that she earned this success as her voice commands the attention of everyone in the room, smooth as silk and sent from the heavens. Her touring band elegantly flood the air with angelic chords and harmonies, allowing enough room for Gretta to rise above with her vocal prowess. Her short set finishes with the song that put her on the map, ‘Drive’, which receives euphoric applause. There's still room to grow for this talented young lady. This is just the beginning and a taste of the stardom she deserves when the time comes.

After a short changeover, and a singalong to the late Tom Petty's 'I Won't Back Down', it was time for Australian Indie Pop / Folk icon Vance Joy, returning home to Melbourne in support of his latest single 'Lay It On Me'.

The fans are up for this one as Vance and his touring band open with what is a strong highlight of the night, 'Fire and the flood'. The singer looks on with a trademark smile as the audience sing louder than the PA can lift its volume.

Vance Joy's set covers many of the favourites from 2014's platinum ARIA number 1 debut album 'Dream Your Life Away', among a generous taste of music from his new album due out early next year, 'Nation Of Two'.

Vance Joy's performance is one characterised with love and passion. As a first time spectator I was in awe of Vance Joy's charisma and energy. It's almost like you are watching him performing in his lounge with giant lamps behind him providing the warmth while his band perform in a half circle around him.

You can't fault this performance of one of Australia's favourite sons and the fans are beyond proud, happy and excited to have him home with new music.

After performing a popular cover of Lionel Richie's 'All Night Long', the show was closed out with an encore featuring the monstrous hit song 'Riptide', sending the rowdy crowd off to party into the night. Len Panecki