One of the worst parts about travelling around on a tight schedule are the delays one encounters while awaiting their next flight. One such delay hit me today, travelling from Las Vegas to San Francisco. The latter is an airport known for its delays – with two runways quite close together, it’s common practice for one or the other to be closed in heavy rain or winds.
Arriving some three and a half hours late as such, a light rain coming down, by the time I arrived at Hotel Utah later that evening to catch Grand Atlantic, it would be fair to say I was rather exhausted. However, the fantastic music on display helped influence me in the opposite direction, as I enjoyed inspired rock and roll from a local San Franciscan up-and-coming band, and an Australian group in similar territory.
San Francisco’s The Parties were playing when I arrived at the bar – a small venue whose roof on the lower level might cause problems for someone vertically unchallenged. The band were purveyors of great 60s and 70s rock and roll, showing themselves off with a great sound and a surprisingly unique presence. Sure, it’s been done before, but it’s always fun to hear it done well.
Again I was impressed by the great sound of a small North American venue – the Australian scene has a lot to learn – something which I’m sure Brisbane’s Grand Atlantic agreed with, sounding phenomenal in the surrounds.
Well paired with their support act, Grand Atlantic bring their own style of classic rock and roll – this time in a similar vein to how The Vines were doing it on their first album. Essentially, Grand Atlantic have taken over from where they left off – hitting us with a 12 string electric guitar, a 6 string, a bass and some drums. The bassist, Sean Bower, is of particular mention, showing off in tracks like “Chaos Theory” and “Central Station Blues” – two highlights of the set.
“Carved from Stone” ended the energetic set, with the band constantly praising San Francisco (it seems they had played the venue before?). They also have Ripple Music releasing their music locally, and praised them for the support. They may been thousands of miles from home (yes, miles – I’ve been over here in America for too long…), but this was a band who felt very much at home, sounding fantastic to boot…
