Central Rain is the first solo project for Melbourne musician Luke Thomas (The Pictures, Deserters, The Ronson Hangup). Never one to pander to mainstream radio tastes, Thomas writes from the heart and his no-frills, melody-drenched songs, reminiscent of writers such as Steve Kilbey, Neil Finn and Grant McLennan, are performed with a refreshing honesty. In duo mode he is joined by long-time collaborator Mal Pinkerton (The Anyones, The Ronson Hangup) on guitar and cello, playing two sets of Central Rain songs along with some old favourites on three Saturdays in August.