Live Review: Alt-J, G R A C E

G R A C E aka Grace Woodroofe steps up early to slowly but surely get the crowd worked up. The 24-year-old Perth vocalist’s deep, melodic voice suits the occasion, yet a strange stage set-up sees her guitarist and DJ facing inwards, away from the audience, and this somewhat detracts from the performance.

The house lights dim as the instantly recognisable looping intro of Alt-J’s new single Hunger Of The Pine bellows through the hall. In their first Australian appearance since the release of sophomore album This Is All Yours, and without founding member Gwil Sainsbury, Alt-J saunter on stage sporting matching black shirts and accompanied by a second guitarist/bass player, Cameron Knight. There is an uneasy feeling among attendees, which could be attributed to the fact that it’s Monday, the relatively unfamiliar content from the band’s recently released album or the first look at their line-up minus Sainsbury. Overall, the energy is lacking. The first half of the set comprises mainly older fan favourites, which builds punter excitement. But as the newer material trickles in towards the latter end of their set, the pit reduces to a slow bop.

Instrumentally, the quartet are on point, hitting every note and beat with precision. Vocalist/guitarist Joe Newman’s guitar tone is ridiculous, and cuts through the mix with some serious aggression, while drummer Thom Green is thunderous and calculated behind his unconventional kit. Yet, as a whole, the performance gives off the vibe of a group who are still settling into their new formation. Some of the new songs lack direction and seem disjointed at times, while the signature Alt-J vocal harmonies of Newman and keys player Gus Unger-Hamilton aren’t in sync for classics such as Fitzpleasure.

The four mics strewn across the stage ensure that stage presence is all but non-existent, but credit to the band and crew for addressing this with an exceptional light show that syncs with each track and more than compensates. The main set draws to a close with The Gospel Of John Hurt, once again building intensity before the band take a brief break, only to return to encore with Bill Withers’ Lovely Day and standout tracks Nara and Breezeblocks. Tonight’s show is far from disappointing and Alt-J fans believe in life after Sainsbury.