The Grates, Faker, ViolentSoho @ The Coolangatta Hotel07/10/2006

Fri 27th Oct, 2006 in Gig Reviews

There was an enormous queue filled with anxious punters at the Coolangatta Hotel, the scene of tonight’s gig.  Unfortunately it took almost 20 minutes to get to the ‘stamping’ area where we hand over our prized ticket for entry.  Why is it that we can no longer keep our ticket stubs as mementoes of our gig-going?  Anyway, upon having wrists stamped with their brand, the punters run up the stairs.

Violent Soho played a belting set, with a few extremely rocking tunes, although it did seem a little Vines-esque. The Grates’ Patience didn’t seem to mind, enjoying their set from the mid mosh pit area, but all too soon, the boys were heading off stage.

Faker came on some 20 minutes or so later to get started on their set.  Not only did they perform some of their well know songs including Teenage Werewolf, Love For Sale and their top 20 hit Hurricane which they totally nailed, they also threw in some new material as well, which proved to be a success with the younger crowd that presumably were there to see The Grates.  Faker frontman Nathan seemed to enjoy nothing more than jumping around the stage, and during their last song, he climbed up on a large speaker to the left of the stage; it was a sight to behold.   You could also see Patience sitting to the left of the stage, almost dancing in her seat watching their set.  It’s always good to see the headlining act getting into their support bands.

When The Grates blessed us with their presence on stage, they were surrounded by a Winterwonderland set complete with penguins with glowing eyes, fake snow and reindeer.  Even Patience’s microphone was decked out in all white!  Normally The Grates are a three piece, but tonight they had a panda join them on keys and banjo!  Patience is a brilliant frontwoman to say the least, she dances, jumps and its clear she is absolutely loving what she is doing.  Their action-packed set included Inside Outside, Sukkafish, Science Is Golden, Little People and a howl-a-licious version of Howl; a fitting song considering there was a full moon that night!  They also belted out 19-20-20 and I Won’t Survive.  The Grates are definitely the next big thing to come out of Brisbane, the biggest since Powderfinger! If you haven’t seen The Grates live show yet, then do yourself a favour, and do it now!