There is no way in which I can properly describe how amazing this gig was using words, pictures or even interpretive dance. But I have to attempt it, so bear with me.

The alternate-rock masters came out guns blazing with Lisztomania sending the sold out Festival Hall crowd into a crazed frenzy, which was more like bordering on a riot.

The feeling that there was something special in the atmosphere was inescapable. It just seemed to penetrate every corner of the venue; an undeniable spark, a gravitational pull – a certain je ne sais quoi you might say.

From the get go, the energy and electricity within the place was at fever pitch – even in the more quieter moments you could just feel this swarming buzz all around you, everyone watching the darkened stage with wrapt concentration, holding their breath as one and waiting with such explosive anticipation for what was to come next.

Thomas Mars’ voice has such a strength and clarity; it just gets inside you and carries you along with him, guiding you through the dense and gorgeous layers of music that forms each song – something of course that would not have worked without the balance and quality of a truly excellent sound system.

Of course there is no need to go on about the beauty and wonderful construction that is each song. Its right there for you to hear, pure and simple.

The entire gig was just one highlight after another. The first notes of each song instigating a huge moaning scream from the overheated but ecstatic audience.

An impressive light show accompanied the set, perfectly accentuating the feel of each song, rightly mirroring the highs and lows; another contributing factor that kept the hype at the right level.

My favourite moment was the incredible strength and volume of the call for an encore. Every single person there was literally going crazy – stamping their feet, clapping their hands and screaming with everything they had; heart, body and soul, making as much noise as humanly possible. It felt like the whole hall was shaking. I actually had to cover my ears it was so loud.

And my oh my, were we duly rewarded.

Mars and one of the guitarists (I was too far away to tell who it was) came back out and serenaded us with a couple of songs played just guitar and vocals, one of them being an awesome version of ‘Everything is Everything’.

The rest of the band then joined them on stage for a massive, overwhelming, incredible rendition of 1901, where Mars leapt off the stage and into the crowd, where he immersed himself in the masses.

Hands were reaching and groping, pulling and prodding, snatching and yet somehow Mars was able to carry on, pitch perfect and with that gorgeous piercing clarity.

The entire band left the stage with the greatest smiles upon their faces, and how could they not with a crowd like they experienced that night in Melbourne?

We love them.

They love us.

They’ll be back.

- Stevey-Lee Ginger, Festivals & Nightlife