Video: "Rock Boys" by the Grates, Live @ Piano's, NYC. 09-13-06

Photos by Devon Banks A few months ago, when assorted tracks from Aussie band the Grates began popping up coupled with the customary hyperbolic hosannas, I was fairly non-plussed. Punky pop music, girl fronted, minimal arrangements, I knew the score. Not bad, certainly, but not immediately compelling enough to force themselves into heavy playlist rotation. Another case of bloggers heaping praise to feed the content beast. Now, after attending the group's Wednesday night show at Piano's in Manhattan, I can understand the desire for praise a bit better. [...]