Collingwood’s very own Grace Darling Hotel is the scene for an exciting night of music as The Sweets release their debut EP titled Temples.
But before they can kick back a beat or two the crowd welcomes first support act Papa Maul to the stage.
The four-piece originating from Melbourne start the night with an auric dominance as powerful vocals flood the half-filled venue.
Percussion lacking in parts and Dyer claims being ‘afraid of crowds’ doesn’t stop the unanimous applause to each and every song – an impressive start.
As the first intermission calls for a cold whiskey on the rocks by a well-lit fireplace, you can literally feel the night starting to heat up.
Second act Agility enter with a unique vitality and enthusiasm – the music ain’t too shabby either.
Stapleton’s on-stage antics seem reminiscent of the late Jim Morrison – an obvious call to make but nothing is too forced making it easy to lose yourself in the sounds.
An ambiguous feel with echoed vocals and catchy guitar progressions, the four-piece are definitely enjoying the vibes. With with enough smoke machine and strobe light to fuel a miniature rave, Agility lube the path nicely for a few extra treats, namely The Sweets, to finish the night up.
An all-aged crowd summon themselves for the main event as the sound-desk technician gives the nod of approval.
Ferocious key changes and quirky time signatures keep the listeners guessing at every break.
The curly-haired lead vocalist has an impressive intensity about him and reassures the presence of The Sweets throughout the EP launch set.
As the Girl Guide attendees shy away in disappointment from the lack of actual candy, The Sweets deliver their own tasty brand of ‘get-the-fuck-outta-my-way-my-candy’s-better’.
Parched throats call out for water and beer and the Grace Darling atmosphere is thriving – Temples is bound to sell out.
Paterson’s use of the micro-synth half way through the set showcases the bands established ability and contributes yet another dynamic to an already diverse soundscape.
Even with a slight equipment failure, The Sweets portray their maturity with quick transitions to keep the groove going – the audience none the wiser.
It’s hard not to have a beaming smile by the end of the night and one could tell the headline act were ecstatic.
One last blasting tune to end the night came in the form of an old Pixies classic – “Where Is My Mind?”. But for this cover it was more like, “Where Is The Lead Guitarist’s Volume In The Main Solo?” with the volume seriously lacking.
All around hammer on the nail and big congratulations to The Sweets and their first-time EP, Temples.
