Live Review

Philadelphia Grand Jury – Proud, Camden

• 1st Sep 2010

To say that Philadelphia Grand Jury played an energetic set would be like saying that Bill Gates is fairly well off: a massive understatement. They were bouncing off the walls, leaping from the stage into the crowd, jumping onto tables and running around the room; all without missing a beat or lyric.

The short but electrifying set was comprised of all the favourite tracks from the band’s debut album, “Hope is for Hopers”, with highlights including ‘I’m Going To Kill You’, ‘Ready to Roll’ and the quintessential hit ‘Going to the Casino (Tomorrow Night)’.

The last song of the night ‘I Don’t Wanna Party’ went for at least 10 minutes. It began with Berkfinger screaming “I don’t wanna party” repeatedly. The song continued at a frantic pace before drummer Calvin Welch broke into a frenzied solo. The jam session went on for a while before Berkfinger and MC Bad Genius both threw down their instruments and launched into the crowd. Berkfinger took his microphone and ran up to various audience members getting them to repeat “I don’t wanna party”, often wrapping the mic cord around their neck to ensure participation. The song then took a turn and broke into a cover of Jay Z’s ‘99 Problems’, which Berkfinger sang from on top of a table in the middle of the room. It was the coolest indie version of the song I have ever heard performed by a man dripping in sweat standing in the crowd at his own show. The party then continued as ‘I Don’t Wanna Party’ picked up again. Still moshing with the audience Berkfinger and MC Bad Genius ran about like tornadoes getting tangled in all manner of leads and cords. The set concluded with Berkfinger laying on the ground wrapped up in a tangled mess. Then hurricane Philly Jays had passed and they left the stage. The crowd was gob-smacked, but buzzing from the high of one of the most high energy sets they had experienced. An unmissable live act.

Philadelphia Grand Jury are currently touring the UK. They play:
1st Oct Night & Day Manchester
2nd Oct Empire Middlesborough
3rd Oct Plug Sheffield
7th Oct Cockpit Leeds
For more information visit: [link]