Live: Philadelphia Grand Jury

Jive - Thu Apr 22

On the penultimate stop of their I Don’t Want To Party (Party) tour, The Philly Jays blew us all away with the first of two sold-out soirees at Jive.

Philadelphia Grand Jury aren’t the first Aussie band to get cold feet. Australians in general have a tendency to leave their island home and seek greener pastures in foreign lands. Just last year we saw The Temper Trap take the plunge with a move to the UK and have turned out all the better for it. So what of these Philly Jays? Will their UK sojourn reap similar benefits? The jury (excuse the pun) is still out on that one, so for now all we can do enjoy their final trip around the country before they set off.

Filling the increasingly-familiar opening role tonight are the ever reliable Shiny Brights. With spasmodic frontman Wolfgang doing what he does best – convulsing and contorting like some sort of entranced, epileptic  cobra – The Shinies run through a set of few surprises. Their deadpan indie rock seems pleasing enough for the average gig goer tonight and even a few hips start shaking by set closer and still obvious standout, Electric Tigerland.

We’ve all been waiting for some substantive new material from Brisbane’s John Steel Singers for a while now and if tonight’s repertoire is anything to go by, it’ll be worth the wait. Like an Arcade Fire that’s been punched in the throat by Grizzly Bear, John Steel Singers’ subdued indie melodics are simultaneously gratifying and elusive – it’s enough to get you off, but you instantly want more at the end of it. Slowly building up to the closing trio of Masochist, Evolution and Rainbow Kraut, the multi-membered Brisbanians leave a lasting impression on the full house of onlookers. Expect to hear lots more about these guys soon.

Criticise them for their simplistic song structures, novelty value or well-marketed media presence if you will, but one thing that’s undeniable about Philadelphia Grand Jury is their totally unique stage experience. Entering the stage one by one, the three members of The Philly Jays instantly transform from nerdy beardos to stage rocking superstars. Simon Berckelman, Joel Beeson and Calvin Welch have momentarily left the building and in their stead comes Berkfinger, MC Bad Genius and, well, Calvin Welch, who’s yet to be given a nickname but whose stage presence is equally transformative.

Tonight it’s The Philly Jays we’ve come to know and love. Berkfinger’s shrill, pre-recorded crowd banter belts out of the speakers at almost every break between songs, MC Bad Genius grooves around the stage like a big, bearded dancing monster, and their obsequious set list carries much favour with audience members. The Good News, I'm Going To Kill You, Going To The Casino and Ready To Roll all hit the intended mark, while lesser hits like Growing Up Alone and The New Neil Young still get the crowd bopping along like a well-trained pet.

Recent addition Calvin Welch seems the missing link in The Philly Jays’ operation. His hypnotic drumming style draws you in as you just can’t quite figure out what the hell he’s doing with those drumsticks. He proves an instant hit with the fans despite his 50+ years, and on chaotic closer I Don’t Want To Party (Party)he  highlights his mad stick ability with a solo maxing out at some 10 minutes or so.

After the carnage of their tour title track, the trio dust themselves off, realign their glasses and slap Calvin out of his percussive trance for a run-through of Jay Z’s 99 Problems. It’s not a cover per se, except for the chorus and excerpts of the verses, but it’s a wholly satisfying end to their set.

Then that’s it, back to normal. Simon, Joel and Calvin have returned to their bodies and are doing the old meet and greet with their fans. They’re taking photos, signing autographs and being bored with repeated tales of what just transpired. For 45 minutes a day they’re rock stars, but the rest of the time they’re just your average nerdy beardos. God bless ‘em.

Words: Jimmy Bollard
Pic: Alyssa Marie

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