Live Review: Grinspoon, The Hard Aches, The Gooch Palms, Bugs

A week after their '90s musical brethren, Jebediah and You Am I, played live to Sandgroper ears, another special night was upon us where we could both reminisce and celebrate a cracking band of yesteryear.

Bugs @ Metro City. Photo by Adrian Thomson.

Before the main act, a swag of up-and-comers entertained, led by Brisbane's Bugs who churned out a set of bright pop tunes. They were followed by eccentric Melburnians, The Gooch Palms. Despite playing some cheesy-as pop at times, this act managed to keep those front of house happily moving.

The Gooch Palms @ Metro City. Photo by Adrian Thomson.

The Hard Aches hit the stage with their brand of melodic punk-rock, their sound more alike the impending headliners than the previous two supports. Anthemic tracks I Get Like This and Happy were highlights, with their performance filling the large Metro City space impressively.

The Hard Aches @ Metro City. Photo by Adrian Thomson.

Whether you’re a nostalgic 30-something or a pimply millennial, Lismore’s Grinspoon sit high on the live bucket list of many an Aussie music fan. 

Opening the set with a bunch of breakneck-paced beauties, including DCx3, Sickfest, Just Ace and Pedestrian, frontman Phil Jamieson was in form early, gyrating like a younger Jagger and skilfully scaling the foldback speakers much to the joy of the front-row revellers. The dynamic rhythm section complemented the unique vocals of Jamieson nicely. The iconic tunes kept coming with Hard Act To Follow, Better Off Alone and Rock Show all energetically delivered as guitarist Pat Davern hammered his axe with each driving chorus.

Grinspoon @ Metro City. Photo by Adrian Thomson.

Jamieson implored the crowd to keep on rocking, complimenting those in attendance on their passionate and dedicated singing. Chemical Heart, Champion, an excellent cover of INXS’ Don’t Change, and More Than You Are closed out a great set.

Seeing Grinners live is always a special experience and they delivered another memorable, punch-in-your-face performance.