Live Review: The Jungle Giants, Grrrl Pal

The dancefloor was looking a little empty as local pop newbies GRRL PAL hit the stage at Capitol. With a diverse platter of funky tracks and a flawless singer, be sure to keep an eye on these guys. Although battling with a few technical problems, they stuck with it and opened the night on a high and somewhat sparkly note (looking at you lead singer, where do you shop?). Up next was a Guetta-esque DJ set from a member of Melbourne dance band Northeast Party House. Unfortunately he was facing the wall and the lights weren't really on him…. so the audience missed out on some real bangers. Shame. After a soundcheck (during the DJ set, what?) Brisbane youngsters The Jungle Giants literally bounded onto the stage, much to the delight of a somewhat miscellaneous crowd.

Opening with Come And Be Alone With Me, a track from this year's album, Learn To Exist, the energy levels of this four-piece were constant throughout the entire set. The following track, Mr Polite, from previous release, The Jungle Giants, got the crowd super excited and it became clear why everyone loves this buoyant band. Up until this point there was a small rave circle of about ten people at the front of the stage, but Mr Polite got everyone moving. It was unclear whether The Jungle Giants had ever sat still in their lives until they slowed it down, You've Got Something demonstrating the real skill of the two guitarists. It also became clear that bass player Andrew Dooris loves a good boogie, regardless of tempo. Lead singer Sam Hales had no trouble connecting with the young crowd and displayed an impressive vocal range. Hales engaged in some friendly banter with the crowd, and they wrapped up their set with 2013 single, I Am What You Want Me To Be. The energy inside Capitol literally tripled at this point, everyone jumping/gyrating and some bros jumped on stage for a boogie, to the dismay of security. This band is extraordinarily tight, with polished riffs and perfect drums, plus cute '90s stylin' (eg: Hales' backwards cap and denim shirt); it's clear why they pull such huge crowds and have garnered high praise, notably from triple j. Hales returned to the stage for a solo encore of Devil's In The details (everyone loves a nice slow jam). Then the full band joined him for hit single, She's A Riot, wrapping up a cohesive set and a grand night for all.