Since catching the Gramotones supporting Steve Cradock on his Travel Wild – Travel Free tour last year I have been hooked. Back then I got myself a copy of their debut EP A Soldier’s Kiss which I just could not stop playing, and was delighted when I got my hands on their second EP at their intimate gig at Glasgow’s Flat 0/1 earlier in the year. Hearing the band back in April, I could not help but think that their songs would sound even more immense on a big stage; when I discovered Gramotones were joining Paul Weller at Mouth Of The Tyne Festival I knew this was a gig needed to be at. For those of you not familiar with Gramotones, the band consists of Jake (Vocals, Guitar), Sid (Vocals, Guitar, Keys and Harmonica), Ryan (Bass) and James (Drums). Not only do Gramotones look like stars – they produce terrific tunes about everyday life that sound even better live.
Pleasingly, the festival crowd is swelling to near capacity by the time Gramotones take to the stage, looking sharp as always. Sid and James appear to be in full summer mode sporting Hawaiian style flower shirts whilst Ryan and Jake look every bit as cool (Jake in particular in one of his trademark jackets). Set opener ‘Money, Girls And Life’ sets the tone for a blistering set and is followed by ‘Dog With A Bone’ and ‘Marjorie’. Despite none of these opening songs appearing on the two EPs released to date, they’re instantly infectious numbers and the intensity continues to build throughout the set with stand-out tracks ‘M62’ and ‘Corporate Whipping Boy’ sounding dynamite on the big stage. Gramotones are the complete package with high entertainment from the outset and visible energy pouring out as Jake and Sid share lead vocals, guitar and keys and Ryan also contributing to the vocal harmonies.
Having supported Paul Weller on a number of dates on his European tour, it’s evident that Gramotones are at ease on the big stage and appear to be enjoying every minute. The talent is unquestionable and in Sid the band have a natural entertainer who enjoys banter with the crowd between songs. Indeed, as Jake and Sid trade places on lead vocals throughout the set the crowd are suitably impressed and show their appreciation between songs with applause and cheers. Such is the depth of quality tunes Gramotones have in their locker, only two EP tracks make this set-list and the set is brought to a rousing close with the unforgettable ‘Soldier’s Kiss’ and ‘Old Man’ (the lead track from their current EP). Both songs are personal favourites of my own and hearing them on the big stage I am left in absolutely no doubt Gramotones are headed for big BIG things in the future!
The Gramotones have it all…. fantastic songs that sound even better live and a natural stage presence that resonates visibly with their audience. The band are appearing at Kendal Calling this month and I suggest if you have the opportunity you take them in live before they explode and become absolutely massive.
Bazza Mills
@bazzamills
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