Hannah Georgas

Like dropping down a weight class to battle lighter opponents, playing an early Friday night headlining slot lowers expectations, making victories less important and losses more resonant. Sometimes, you don't have much of a choice (blame Don King and/or club nights). Thus, Vancouver-based Hannah Georgas turned up for her early slot to face a chattering yet packed Mod Club crowd. Emerging to the pre-programmed beats of "Elephant," she and the rest of her four-piece eased into the set. A grower of a cut — thanks, mallets — it showed off the singer's assured vocals. Ditto follow-up, "Enemies," which benefitted from its dangerous bass line. A power pop number with a Sarah Harmer vocal hook, "Robotic" was deceptively buoyant. Conversely, "Shortie" opted for cleverness instead of its promised dance party and "Somebody" never took off despite the crunchy guitars. Still, the "Deep End" began with playful, high fret board work, becoming a romper with a power ukulele. And highlight, "All I Need," may have started tender, holding the keys in reserve, though it ended huge. Throughout, Georgas was amiable and engaging and her laidback band kept the affair tight and brisk. Clocking in just past the hour mark, it was a pleasant appetizer of a gig with a handful of stirring moments.