Philadelphia Grand Jury @ TheGovernor Hindmarsh, Adelaide(10/12/10)

Wed 15th Dec, 2010 in Gig Reviews

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I’d been waiting for this gig for a VERY long time. I’d managed to miss the Philly Jays up until this point, and when I heard Susie from I Heart Hiroshima had been enlisted to play drums, there was no way in Hades I was going to miss it. Despite the early start (but not TOO early, thank you Gov!), I managed to make it in time to see Sydney’s Bearhug. I’d heard the name before, but hadn’t heard the band at all, and was quite pleased to find a Guided By Voices/ Pavement vibe to them. Reminded me a lot of Sounds like Sunset, too, another Sydney band I’ve loved for a few years. They have the sound of a truly collaborative effort, quiet eclectic at times, but everything fits really well. I’m not entirely sure I’ve ever used the word “shoegazey” in a review before, but it feels pretty appropriate. The band didn’t really appear to communicate to each other, appearing to be running purely on the vibe, and it clearly works for them. However, I could’ve sworn the singer was trying to get the other guys’ attention for the entirety of the last two songs, failing dismally!

Next up was Ballarat’s Howl, winner of Unearthed High. They had a kind of Killers meets Klaxons kinda vibe, I can certainly see why they won (although I preferred the Blackwood High band – Hilltop reprazent!). They were catchy, dancey, and their onstage presence was huge. The crowd response was crazy, so it was clear this old fart was missing something. Because the kids went freaking NUTSO! It’s not often you see crowd surfing for the support band, so all credit to them. It just wasn’t my cuppa this evening.

Of course, if I thought Howl’s crowd was nutso, I had no idea what was about to assault my eardrums the second Philadephia Grand Jury walked onstage. The band opened with Jay-Z’s 99 Problems, with new drummer Susie taking lead vocals. I should get this out of the way though, getting Susie is probably the best idea the Philly Jays have ever had. Her enthusiasm is unparalleled, and she’s one of the country’s most engaging performers. Plus, she’s a shitload of fun. Both Berkfinger and MC Bad Genius are quite clearly having the time of their life at the moment. In an early interview they said something about playing purely for fun, and this mentality radiates through their songs. They’re so easy to sing along to, and I had no trouble joining in the chorus of punters for pretty much every song. It was a reasonably short set, but I’m a big supporter of keeping things short and sweet. Highlights were the obvious ones, I’m afraid. I’ve been hanging to hear Going To The Casino, The Good News, and I Don’t Want To Party (Party) since I first heard them late one night on Rage. They didn’t disappoint, but I did notice at times they looked out into the crowd in what appeared to be sheer disbelief. Which is pretty understandable, they’re pretty much the anti- Mess Hall. And as much as I love The Mess Hall, the fact is, just like in my favourite scene of Revenge Of The Nerds, nerds do it better. Thanks Philly Jays, that was rad. Come back soon?