Review: The Grogans at The Rechabite
The Grogans’ Stagger Tour at The Rechabite
Friday, August 8, 2025
Melbourne surf-rock trio The Grogans brought their Stagger Tour to Perth on Friday night, filling The Rechabite with laid-back grooves, fuzzy riffs, and a whole lot of good vibes. Known for blending garage rock, surf, psych, and blues into their own unique style, the band has steadily grown a loyal fanbase since forming in high school. This tour follows their latest album, Stagger, a collection of breezy, sun-soaked tracks balanced with grittier rock numbers—and Friday night’s show proved they can deliver it live just as effortlessly as on record.
Performing alongside them for the Australian leg were Caitlin Harnett & The Pony Boys and Ethanol Blend, both of whom set the tone perfectly for the night. Ethanol Blend kicked things off with their indie-rock energy and warm stage banter, drawing the early crowd closer to the stage. Their mix of jangly guitars and easy-going rhythms worked well in easing everyone into the night.
Then came Caitlin Harnett & The Pony Boys, who brought a different flavour—rich, alt-country tones with heartfelt storytelling. Caitlin’s warm, velvety vocals carried effortlessly over the crowd, and the band’s chemistry was undeniable, earning plenty of cheers between songs.
By the time The Grogans walked on, the crowd was buzzing. The Rechabite’s layout—with its split-level design offering both a main floor for moshing and a balcony for those who prefer a view—made the whole thing feel more intimate, almost like a private gig with a few hundred mates. The room lit up as soon as they launched into their first track, and from there, they had the audience in their pocket.
One of the most impressive things about The Grogans’ set was how authentic they sounded. Their live performance matched their recorded tracks almost perfectly, yet still carried the raw energy you can only get in a room full of people singing along. The crowd knew nearly every word, joining in loudly during fan favourites like Dead Weight and Inside My Mind, turning the gig into a communal singalong.
While the band didn’t do a lot of big, physical movement on stage—especially during their more rock-heavy songs—they kept the energy up through tight playing and strong crowd connection. Their easy smiles and genuine “thanks” between tracks made it clear they were happy to be there, and that warmth radiated through the room. It wasn’t about showy antics; it was about the music and the shared atmosphere.
Vocally, they were spot on—the harmonies blended beautifully, and each member’s voice felt just as rich and polished as on their albums. Their set moved seamlessly between slower, surfy grooves and punchier garage-rock bursts, showing off the range that’s earned them fans across genres.
The crowd engagement was a highlight—there was plenty of dancing on the main floor, while balcony-goers leant over the railing, nodding along and raising drinks in time with the beat. The atmosphere stayed wholesome and upbeat from start to finish, with friends swaying together, strangers high-fiving after choruses, and a genuine buzz in the air that never dipped.
Closing the night with an encore, The Grogans left the stage to loud cheers and lingering smiles. It wasn’t a gig built on flashy gimmicks—instead, it was a reminder of how good live music can feel when it’s done with sincerity, skill, and a love for the crowd.
If the Stagger Tour proves anything, it’s that The Grogans have mastered the art of creating a live show that feels as comfortable as a Sunday afternoon session and as thrilling as a festival headline. Perth got a taste of that on Friday—and judging by the reaction, they’ll be welcomed back any time.
Warm, tight, and effortlessly fun.
MOLLY ELLIOTT
Photos by Chaz Hales
