Despite the onslaught of fall, summer beats and beach vibes can still be found in New York. The Griswolds, who can be described as indie rock chased with trop, played to a fan-filled room at Rough Trade Monday night. The crowd was lauded as family, beer was thrown (and spilt) in the name of fun and there was plenty of taking the piss.
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The four-piece, who borrows its name from National Lampoon’s Family Vacation, opened with “Down and Out,” a track from their 2014 album Be Impressive. The group continued through a series of Be Impressive hits to their newest single, “Out Of My Head.” The new track is a perky-plead to an ex to not contact him anymore and get “out of my head.” Lead singer Christopher Whitehall was euphoric as he jumped across the stage singing the break-up song that many in the crowd seemed to be touting as their current anthem.
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About half way through the show those in attendance learned they were not only there to hear songs by “the chameleons of pop,” but to celebrate. Whitehall inducted the crowd into his family, the band’s forthcoming album was recently submitted, they were appearing on the TODAY show, and it was a band member’s birthday. A group of Aussies in the crowd followed up “Happy Birthday” with “He’s an Aussie/ he’s true blue/ he’s a piss-pot through and through…” to which drummer Lachlan West showed his appreciation by chugging his beer.
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The Griswolds’ performance was a much needed vacation from the Monday blues. The only complaint- at some point one has to return to reality and exit the venue. The band will play a couple of shows in California before heading back to Australia.
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The Griswolds
Article: Alx Bear
