John Butler mixed seven songs off his new Home album into a rollicking 17-song two-hour headlining gig. including the opening number, Wade in the Water, and main set closer, We Want More.

Not only does it demonstrate the faith that Butler has in his music, mind you he’s been road-testing the new material on a major tour through Europe and North America, but also the confidence in his fans to keep running with him.

Butler has the uncanny ability to make every song a “big” piece, and thus the new music – Wade in the Water, Tahitian Blue, Faith, Blame It On Me, Just Call, Home and We Want More - fit in like part of the family with hits and favourites including Better Than, Used to Get High and Don’t Wanna See Your Face Again. 

Of course, Pickapart and Ocean (played solo) sat firmly in the middle of the set. For some reason, they don’t feel self-indulgent at all these days.

And the night closed out with Funky Tonight and Zebra, as the front of house audience closed in tight for dancing and an invigorating call and response to bring Zebra to a climax.

Overall, it was an outstanding line-up, Stella Donnelly showing poise beyond her age in a solo opening set, Dan Sultan in excellent form and Missy Higgins reminding everyone just why they love her so much.