The buzz around The Gramotones has been simmering along in recent months, but before the four-piece Manchester band set their sights on world domination, the crooners took time out to play a packed-out gig to their home crowd.
Fronted by lead vocalists, Sid Cooper and James Fletcher, The Gramotones ooze a retro sound of the 60s with Cooper’s nasal vocals reminiscent of a young John Lennon.
Earlier tracks such as Hello Little Girl wouldn’t sound out of place on the set list which has already developed fan favorites such a Marjorie, which was welcomed with rapturous cheers from the sold out venue.
Add Jake Fletcher’s slightly rougher edged voice to the mix and third front man, Ryan Comac, and you’re pleasured with the impeccable harmonies that scream a late 50s vibe, immediately bringing The Hollies to mind.
On drums James Cardus effortlessly keeps the entire performance tightly together.
The military sound of the rolling drums behind Sid, Jake and Ryan as they sing If you never look deeper has a sprinkling of the more contemporary sound of The Last Shadow Puppets.
Upcoming bands are always subject to comparison both with their contemporaries as well as obvious inspirations, but The Gramotones could just have the edge that other upcoming bands are lacking.
The emotive lyrics and poetic craftsmanship of their songs such as Soldier’s Kiss and M62 bring their own unique originality to their Beat Club-esque sound.
Their upbeat numbers are also perfectly balanced with an appearance from the harmonica throughout their more downbeat tracks.
RIDING HIGH: The Gramotones are set for big things
Already ten steps ahead of many other North West ‘It-Bands’, the rapport between The Gramotones and their audience already shows positive signs of things to come.
Leaving no room for pretention the three 20-somethings look at home on stage and are more than happy to take the mick out of each other while keeping their fans in on the jokes.
As the rock ‘n’ roll slowly begins to ebb back into the limelight, similar to its resurgence in the early 00s, The Gramotones may well have stepped up to the mic at the perfect time.
‘Darling, don’t you give up on me’, croon the three front men in Wrong Side of the Road.
It seems that no one will be giving up on The Gramotones anytime soon. With their mod cuts, snazzy jackets, and perfect harmonies, they’ll certainly break a few hearts along the way too.
The Gramotones EP was released on Monday March 17 and features three singles including a firm fan favourite Daltry Street.
Main image courtesy of Mike Atkins, with thanks.
