Packing two drummers, two guitarists, a bassist, and a
vibraphonist on a tiny stage may provide for visual clutter, but in the case of
the Grimace Federation there is infinite
space in their musical delivery. Providing a brief yet engrossing performance
at the Knitting Factory’s main stage, this young Philadelphia sextet gave a glimpse into the
future of what live music can ultimately become.
Grimace can be likened to a theatrical performance, two
drummers situated front and center facing each other, battling their kits with
ferocity. A vibraphonist switches back and forth between keys and mallets while
two guitarists stand back, juxtaposed by a bassist. It’s visually stunning, a
modern Stomp sans tap dancing but
packed with just as much directed energy.
As exciting as it was to watch Grimace Federation, the
band’s music was even more captivating: smooth and mellifluous, something that
would provide for a soundtrack to everyday life (on a nice and sunny day at
least). Opening with Prog Fuck Core, Grimace immediately showed their
musical prowess. There were no segues, every song was exact, stripped down to
the core and then layered for maximum effectiveness.
Showing the crowd that they could expand from their original
instrumental style, Grimace Federation delved into the Peter, Bjorn, and John
cover Young Folks. Their spin was fun and engaging, the crowd
was receptive to it, even while few were aware of its origins. In fact, there
was little that distinguished it from Grimace’s original tunes. It’s a
remarkable thing when a band develops its own unique and discernible sound at
the beginning of its career, which is precisely what Grimace Federation has
accomplished.
Concluding their disturbingly short 45-minute show with 5,6,7,9, the band left their fans eager
for more. Unfortunately, these boys weren’t even the headliners, yet I
assuredly can say that almost all in attendance wished they were. Forty-five
minutes was all it took for Grimace Federation to win over the Knitting
Factory. I can only imagine what they could do to New York City with a full show.
Setlist: Prog Fuck Core, Moon Elevator, Young Folks*,
Mulholland Drive
(Part 1, Part 2), Ninja 5, Socks of Quarters, 5,6,7,9
*Peter, Bjorn and John original
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