Sydneysiders The Griswolds put on an incredible support set that could have easily been redefined as a co-headline spot. The quintet oozed tropical flamboyance and Aussie ambience, and brought with them a euphoric lasso that hooked audiences from the get-go.
Their indie-rock sounds have a slight Vampire Weekend/The Holidays vibe, but the band still manage to stand on their own. Lead singer Chris Whitehall’s impeccable vocals easily transitioned between heavy profanities and delicate diminuendos. It was a notable beauty to see all five members singing collectively during ‘Something That I’ve Done’. The potential next single, ‘Beware Of The Dog’, showcased the band’s impressive harmonies and raw heavy percussion, giving the song an infectious live presence that, in hindsight, rivaled many of the headliner’s moments.
St. Lucia’s set was simply a blend of punchy and solemn numbers, a mixture of ‘80s quirk and modern synths.
Playing all but one track from their recent album, When The Night, as well as their 2012 self-titled EP, the enthusiastic New Yorker Jean-Philip Grobler and his band treated the audience to an extensive set list. The group elevated the magic already entwined throughout the recordings, but this wasn’t without a few technical glitches.
Grobler’s mic, at times, was too overpowering for the ethereal harmonies between himself and fellow vocalist Patricia Beranek. As one of St. Lucia’s beautiful qualities, this was unfortunate. However, when these issues were resolved, a euphoric glaze enveloped the audience.
Grobler’s hair that was wind-swept by a fan, coupled with his moves, was somewhat cringe-worthy yet funny, as their ‘80s-influenced sounds resonated throughout the venue.
Slight tweaks in the melodies within several of the tracks, as well as a stripped-back version of ‘Paper Heart’ with Beranek on main vocals, gave the live setting a precious and enchanting presence. Long instrumental breakdowns were welcomed as it showcased several multi-talents within individuals of the band.
The crowd erupted as the first few notes of every song were introduced, but it was ‘Elevate’ that provoked a MCG-like roar. The group’s ability to mix solemn, reflective moments with carefree, summer vibes in a contrastingly balanced manner developed an exquisite sonic journey.
Listening to their recordings, filled with powerful bridges and punchy drumbeats, makes it easy to imagine their strengths within a live setting. Songs like ‘Closer Than This’, ‘All Eyes On You’, and ‘We Got It Wrong’ in particular, translated perfectly.
‘We Got It Wrong’ was easily a highlight of the night. With the fans chanting, “don’t go, don’t go away”, the harmonising and interconnectedness between the audience and the band was magical.
However, their cover of Chaka Khan’s ‘Aint Nobody’ definitely threw the crowd off. Although the song was beautifully constructed and sonically St. Lucia-tailored, the inclusion of the their production manager, Marie Kim, singing the bridge at the back of the room, was confusing. Located in the sound booth, the audience kept doing 180s between the band, while also trying to appreciate Kim’s singing.
However, ‘September’ was the perfect encore selection in every sense. As the band were off stage, a pre-recorded intro emerged from the blackened depths, provoking the audience to cheer and then even more so once the band resurfaced. With spiraling, hypnotic, circular backing visuals and the band re-energised, the number took on a heightened liveliness that dominated its already brilliant recording tenfold. The newfound onstage energy continued through ‘When The Night’, which left Grobler on the floor.
Although mistaking it for a rainy Monday (rather than Tuesday) and some minor tech/choice issues, St. Lucia impressed the masses. Their euphoric, fun-punch attitude and musical greatness are undeniable attributes that will continue to build their well-deserved success.
Setlist
The Night Comes Again
The Old House Is Gone
Before The Dive
Closer Than This
Wait For Love
We Got It Wrong
All Eyes On You
Elevate
Aint Nobody (Chaka Khan cover)
Paper Heart
The Way You Remember Me
Too Close
Encore:
September
When The Night
