I had no preconceptions when The Grates took the stage in the fourth spot of My Old Kentucky Blog's showcase at the Radio Room. I hadn't done my usual pre-show research - a copy of their latest LP, Teeth Lost, Hearts Won, lay unplayed in my iTunes folder (I had to buy it through iTunes Australia) and their Wikipedia page hadn't made it to my browser. It didn't matter though - even though I had not listened to a note of their music, The Grates put on the type of performance that I came to SXSW for.
I'm guessing that, like me, most of the people in the Radio Room weren't familiar with The Grates music. But The Grates sound is so bouncy and energetic, and the band so instantly likeable, that it took only moments before the capacity crowd was bobbing and surging to the music. Or the audience may have been following lead singer Patience Hodgson's example. Hodgson jumped, danced, twirled and whipped her hair about all through their much too short performance. Near the end of the set, Hodgson yelled "Get ready, I'm coming down!" A moment later, she jumped into the crowd, carrying the microphone and a long purple ribbon. Spinning around with the ribbon whipping through the air, she dazzled the already impressed crowd. What a show!
As if The Grates could not have been any more likeable, when they were leaving the stage, Hodgson approached a young girl who had been dancing throughout the performance. Hodgson thanked her for her "wonderful dancing" before helping pack up equipment. It was a sweet moment and made their show seem even more genuine. If ever The Grates come to your city, see them.
