Grade 2 – Live At The Key Club

Grade 2 are set to release their fourth album in a few days time, and we at The Punk Site were lucky enough to catch them live in Leeds on a tour to promote the fact. Having been in this club only a month ago catching the brilliant Dead Pioneers, it feels only fitting that it’s the same place we get to see a band that, whilst doesn’t come from the same part of the world, in many ways sits on the same side of the tracks, a band that fights for the underdog and never forgets where they came from either. But before we get to this moment, there is the small matter of the support acts, this involves two bands that I’m fairly sure haven’t crossed my path before.  

First up are the, what turns out to be indie punk No Cameo a four piece who’s 30 mins or so set is a little of a slow burner, the crowd seemed mixed, as in some were already fans and some may well have been converted by the end of this mixed set. What’s always good to see is the amount that have made it in time for the early bands, and that this was music that felt angsty enough to get us all feeling warmed up, the stand out though was what turned out to be the song that saw the lead singer join the throng watching and fully involve them too ‘Instant Coffee’ was I believe the title, it certainly felt like a strong espresso had been downed as it ended.

Having two support acts is always something I personally feel is a good thing, there is nothing worse than spending an hour or more in-between bands either kicking your heels (when having to drive home), or hitting the bar to often therefore getting yourself a little worse for wear and not being fully in aware of what’s going on around and enjoying the music (but some can do both I’ll add). So when Daves a local Leeds band hit the stage it turns out that no matter what your state of mind, this band just hit you with what they describe as “confrontational punk”, I’d call it that, and fucking loud angry shit too!. It’s only a couple of songs in that I wonder why haven’t I seen these before, this is exactly what you need on a Sunday night to fire you up ready for the Monday morning to come. Dancing, singing along, and a tad of political hugging went on during the whole set, the call of “refugees welcome” went down well with this like minded crowd, musically this was a tight a very energy filled band, with a vocal that hammered the lyrics home, but not too much as to send your ears running for cover. A bass that sits wonderfully as the melody bringer (always appreciate this), drums that are attacked with just the right amount of aggression to bring it all together, and not forgetting a guitar that stings just at the right time.

So now comes the bit I came to Leeds on a Sunday night in the rain and knew it would be just the thing was needed after a rough few weeks personally and physically, Grade 2, who I’ve seen several times previously, hit a darkened stage to the sound of Iggy Pop’s ‘Lust For Life’ which if you have had the chance to listen to their soon to be released fourth album Talk About It makes perfect sense. The new album covers all things that add to a lust for life and the emotional turmoil that adds to the big picture. Kicking off the set with the unforgiving ‘Standing In The Downpour’ the band hit the ground sprinting, the energy is palpable, live this trio never stand still and that goes for drummer Jacob too, his unrelenting power and timing sits behind the front line like a firework display of some magnitude. To hear all the songs that were scattered throughout the set from the new album was something to that stood out, hearing songs like ‘Cut Throat’, ‘Better Day’, and ‘Wasteland’ live, added such a connection to them, but the title track ‘Talk About It’ was the absolute pinnacle, a song that as Sid spelt out in such a heart felt moment, this is a song that says “TALK! TO SOMEONE” never hold anything inside, always know that someone is there to listen. This struck a chord with everyone in the crowd especially myself and I’m sure we all know of someone that has at sometime felt this way.

Beyond the new songs this set was absolutely littered with songs that just soared, songs from almost every corner of the bands 10 years of existence, songs that have drawn a following that might have all been here tonight. This crowd were being whipped up into a frenzy, but then Grade 2 never ever fail to give everything to a gig, this was no exception. I did speak to one person who had never seen them before as the gig kicked off, and half way through the set during the modern anthem ‘Brassic’ you could see the glee in her eyes at what she was witnessing (album bought from the merch later too).  By the time we got to the end of this ballistic missile of a set and having already dropped a cover of Ramones ‘Do You Wanna Dance’, they finished with the anthem of a generation from their 3rd album ‘Under The Streetlight’. There was no encore, and thats exactly how this gig should be, a messy blur of sweaty people heading over to a merch store filled with love and euphoria for what they have just witnessed, and doing something for the band that has just given everything on stage by buying and helping to keep this juggernaut going.

The Key Club Leeds just witnessed a band at the very pinnacle of their scene, now we just need the mainstream to embrace their greatness like we did on a Sunday night.

Check out the rest of the tour, and make it a mission to catch them!