Review and gallery: Luke Petty
I have lost count how many times I have seen Grinspoon live, they were my very first live band i saw back 20 odd years ago. And to see they are still such a powerhouse of Australian music is incredible. Selling out The Princess Theatre weeks ago as one of the venues on this monstrosity of a tour. The northern NSW boys were here to show us again why. Bringing along some local talent Ixara and Melbourne energisers Press Club. Brisbanites were in for an epic night.
Ixara’s energetic performance kicked off the evening with a half-hour set of upbeat singles released in recent years. Despite her young age, Ixara Dorizac has already amassed a growing catalog of catchy tunes.
A standout moment was her performance of “What The Fuck” . Ixara added a quirky touch by bringing an old-fashioned telephone onstage, using it as her microphone for the song. Her stage presence is dynamic, with exaggerated movements and a penchant for diving into the crowd to engage with fans. The performance was exhilarating and slightly chaotic, culminating in a near-miss with the phone’s microphone cord. The audience clearly loved it, and it was a memorable highlight of the evening.
Press Club ignited the evening next with a high-octane set that instantly captivated the crowd. Nat Foster’s powerful vocals and magnetic stage presence drew the audience closer, while the band’s raw, punk-infused sound filled the air.
Tracks like “Eugene” and “Headwreck” were delivered with unbridled passion, eliciting enthusiastic headbanging and fist-pumping from the audience. The band’s undeniable chemistry, fueled by relentless drum beats, driving basslines, and jangly guitars, created a sonic wall that reverberated through the room. Nat’s spontaneous leap into the crowd, microphone in hand, brought the fans closer to the action than ever before.
No pressure, she switched to rhythm duties, allowing Greg Rietwyk to unleash his guitar solos that filled every corner of the venue. Iain MacRae and Frank Lees formed a formidable rhythm section, providing a steady, driving beat that powered the band throughout the night.
Press Club’s electrifying performance served as a perfect fit for this lineup, leaving the audience energized and eager for more. It really shows why Phil Jamieson rates them so highly.
The crowd was already electric when Grinspoon took the stage, energized by the two fantastic support acts. The band burst into “Unknown Pretenders” off their latest release with Phil launching himself into the air and spraying the front row while spitting water out, their powerful guitar riff setting the perfect tone.
Next up was the iconic “DCX3,” with Jamieson’s energetic stage presence and crowd-rousing antics. The microphone stand was extended over the pit, allowing the audience to sing along to the unforgettable chorus. “Just Ace” followed. A shimmering guitar intro led into the highly anticipated “Rock Show,” a classic that evokes the nostalgia of the ’90s and brings to mind Rage Against The Machine’s “Bullet In The Head.” “Lost Control” further showcased the band’s energy and skill.
During the break in this song Phil admits that Kris had the idea to sell Grinspoon Tea Towels as merch, at the time saying that was the stupidest idea ever and who would want a tea towel. Admitting he was wrong as they sold out in Ipswich the night before.
“Hard Act To Follow” showcased a captivating interplay between bassist and guitarist, accompanied by renewed attempts at crowd-surfing. For “No Reason,” the trio gathered around drummer Kristian Hopes, delivering a highly infectious tune that ignited the crowd’s enthusiasm. Feedback and distorted guitar introduced “Secrets,” followed by Jamieson’s rousing call, “Are you ready? Are you f***ing ready?” signaling the highly anticipated “Ready 1.” through his signature megaphone. Jamieson’s signature pout and sensual hip movements during the song echoed the style of Michael Hutchence.
Phil then welcomed the talented Nat Foster from Press Club back onstage for a heartfelt duet, showcasing her vocal subtlety in another beautiful ballad. With Foster departing, Jamieson introduced the band members, each of whom is well-known and beloved by the audience after three decades of performing together. A drum solo kicked off “1000 Miles,” accompanied by a dazzling display of stroboscopic lights focused on Hopes.
The classic INXS cover, “Don’t Change,” ignited the crowd’s energy, with another daring crowd-surfer attempting to capture a selfie during the song. The night’s absolute highlight,”Chemical Heart,” received the loudest cheers from the audience. The guitar work on this song is exceptional, and Davern’s playing, particularly during the two performances I attended, had a mesmerizing bell-like quality.
“Champion,” another crowd-pleaser, followed, and Jamieson playfully asked if there was time for one more song. Of course, the audience knew what was coming, and the band concluded with the energetic “More Than You Are.” The song was accompanied by a spectacular display of red confetti, creating a memorable finale.
– GALLERY –
