Cargo Records

The Ouch, The Touch

Like all truly great bands, The Grates began as a bit of a joke. John, Alana and Patience had known each other for, well, forever. John had heard Patience do karaoke before, so when she suggested they form a band, he was apprehensive to say the least. Dueting Alladin's 'A Whole New World' just didn't show her true abilities. But when they started jamming in John's garden shed, helped amply by his dad cooking a BBQ and bringing fresh beer, the exhilarating, charismatic style that has become The Grates' signature started to reveal itself.

With John on guitar, Alana hitting out the drums, Patience singing and jumping around a lot, The Grates then sent in their rough demo, 'Trampoline' to national youth network Triple J's Robbie Buck, who responded by laying it. Lots. The Grates then signed to independent label Dew Process and began work on their debut EP, 'The Ouch. The Touch'.. All three singles, 'Trampoline', 'Rock Boys' and 'Sukkafish' have been nominated in the Triple J Hottest 100. A great showing for a band who are yet to officially release an album.
'The Ouch. The Touch' was released in the UK in April 2005 and the band played some semi-legendry London shows, that picked up much coverage in NME and on Radio 1.

The Grates recent US and Uk tours saw them pick up legions of fans in industry, media and the public alike. The Grates unique lo-fi sound that's all the elements of punk but the obvious ones, has been described as "Judy Garland fronting Sonic Youth" by an Interscope executive. The NME has touted them as one to watch, with 'Message' now available for download on www.nme.com. Radio 1's new music guru Zane Lowe picked them up as 'Fresh Meat' from SXSW and Steve Lamacq is spinning the track on both Radio 1 and Six Music.

The Grates will return to the UK and USA in June.