The Grates @ The Bakery,17/06/11

Wed 22nd Jun, 2011 in Gig Reviews

Brisbane band The Grates are renowned for their hyperactive and enigmatic live performances that appeal to fans of all ages. Since the departure of band member drummer Alana Skyring, the duo have reinvented their approach to creative production, keeping their distinctive fun perspective yet challenging themselves with new methods of song construction. The sold out live performance at the Bakery was filled with excessive energy, unexpected theatrics and a selection of some new songs from their latest album, Secret Rituals. The positive energy in the air from both the band and the crowd was evidence that the band had overcome the bump caused by the loss of a member, by embracing change.

The Bakery was jam-packed with eager fans who did not all necessarily fit into the indie pop hipster mould the band typically attracts. There were fans of all ages and of all types, which just goes to show that The Grates have evolved into a band that speaks to everyone and their fun music binds unlikely groups of people together.

As groups of punters flooded in and giddy fans claimed their front row spots, the Bakery was heating up. By the time the supporting act Big Scary made the stage a large crowd had gathered. The Melbourne duo with a similar musical arrangement as the White Stripes, female drummer Jo Syme and male lead guitarist/vocalist Tom Lansek, wowed the audience with a thrillingly diverse set of songs, ranging from simple two chord catchy grunge rock tunes to poignant ballads.

It was quickly evident that the pair could effortlessly adapt their set to capture a certain atmospheric quality, playing their piano led single Falling Away with closed eyes and subdued lighting created a tranquil moment in which the audience could focus on Lansek’s smooth baritone vocals and intricate lyrics. The follow up was an unexpected quirky punk rock number which got the crowd moving and intrigued with light and shade qualities comparable to The Pixies. Few bands can claim to appeal to head bangers, easy listeners, punk rockers and indie dancers all in one show, yet Big Scary managed to appeal to all by maintaining a rare level of fearlessness and versatility.

As the Grates made the stage they were greeted by a boisterous crowd that instantly became a semi mosh dance pit as soon as Patience Hodgson started singing the bubbly crowd pleaser Carve your name. Hodgson seemed at ease doing what she does best, singing and jumping around the stage like an energizer bunny performing an interpretive dance to her crowd which followed her every move.

As always Hodgson seemed to possess the amazing power of showering her crowd with her infectious excessive energy so that not one person in the audience was standing still. Popular hits like Science is Golden and Milk Eyes got even the fans in the back bouncing and yelling -not singing – every word. At one point Hodgson yelled “I want to go all the way to the back! Can you guys help me?” before she willingly stage dived head first into the sea of fans. An obedient crowd managed to carry the singer whilst she happily rolled around with her dress pulled up revealing her underwear to all, simply not having a care in the world, trusting her fans and completely living in the moment.

The band sounded subtly different with the inclusion of New York City native drummer Ben Marshall and bassist Miranda Duetsch. The new material was easily digested by fans as songs such as Turn me on contained that distinctive element of fun. As the performance progressed, the care with which the set list had been put together became more apparent. Mixing in old favourites like 19 20 20 and songs off the new album kept the set fresh and unexpected.

The show ended with overwhelming applause from the crowd only to have the band come back with an unpredictable change. Hodgson stunned the audience by coming out dressed in a quirky hairy bear like costume which had two big eyes on her chest and a big red smile. As she jumped and danced around looking like a Sesame Street character on speed, the entire room filled up with a great positive energy leaving every person in the crowd with a permanent smile. Singing the crowd pleaser Aw yeah gave an opportunity for more surprises. Hodgson opened up the pouch of the smile and pulled out handfuls of glitter which she showered her crowd in. The set ended with one final short stage dive which ultimately ended in a loving group hug. The performance was an important one for the grates to really show their fans that their new line up and material still retains the fun loving spark that everyone knows them for.