Live Review: The Grogans ‘Stagger’ Tour in Melbourne
15 August 2025 at 170 Russell, Melbourne, Australia
Review by Jeana Thomas
Photography by Jeana Thomas Photography
The Grogans Find Their Groove in Melbourne
You know when you go to a gig not quite sure what to expect — maybe you’ve heard a few songs, some good word-of-mouth, but haven’t actually seen the band live yet — and by the end of the night, you’re just really, genuinely glad you went? That was me with The Grogans at 170 Russell in Melbourne last Friday.
I’ll be honest, I hadn’t seen them before. I knew the name, had a couple of tracks saved (“Money Will Chase You” rang a bell), but I wasn’t walking in as a diehard fan. That changed pretty quickly.
The Grogans are a trio out of Melbourne — Quin Grunden (vocals, bass), Angus Vasic (guitar), and Jordan Lewis (drums) — who’ve been doing their thing since high school. They’ve carved out a very Aussie blend of surf rock, psych, garage and even bluesy indie. It’s scrappy in the best way. Like, it doesn’t try too hard – it just is and it feels good. Their new album Stagger dropped in May and it’s been picking up serious steam, even cracking the ARIA Top 10. So naturally, their tour landed them in Melbourne’s own 170 Russell for a sold-out hometown show. It was great to see The Grogans live, who have poured years of passion, grit and relentless hard work into their music, carving their own path from backyard jams to packed-out venues.
The anticipation from the crowd the second The Grogans hit the stage was immediate. They kicked things off with one of the new album tracks “Come Up” and straight away you could feel how tight they are as a unit. Their sound has this really fun mix: surfy riffs drenched in reverb, gritty vocals, driving drums that give it all a bit of edge. It’s music that moves. Not aggressively, not show-offy – just with the sort of groove that makes you want to sway, grin, maybe spill your drink a bit.
What surprised me most was how varied their set was. They pulled from all over their discography – older stuff like “Lemon to My Lime,” which had a more classic surf rock vibe, and fan favourites like “Money Will Chase You,” which got a huge response (rightly so — it’s a ripper). But the new Stagger material really held its own. “Roundabout” was a standout — dreamy and spacey without losing momentum and “Worry About Everything” hit with this laid-back emotional punch that somehow didn’t feel too heavy. Just… honest.
Needless to say, it wasn’t long before the crowd was completely swept up in the music – feet off the ground, heads bouncing and hands in the air like they couldn’t help it. People were jumping in time with every beat, moving as one wild, happy wave. A few brave souls made their way up to crowd surf, gliding over a sea of pumped-up fans, grinning like they were flying. Everyone knew the words, shouting them back at the band with wide smiles and scratchy voices. It was loud, sweaty and full of life, with a buzz that didn’t let up for a second.
In a surprise twist mid-set, Jordan (drummer), jumped up from behind the kit, swapped sticks for strings and grabbed a guitar—showing off his versatility and adding a whole new layer of energy to the performance, much to the crowd’s delight.
By the time they closed with “Oh Boy”, I realised I’d gone from curious newcomer to full convert. There was nothing overly polished or rehearsed about the show – and I mean that in the best possible way. It was natural, warm and full of heart. You could feel the years they’ve spent playing together, the kind of tightness that only comes from being mates who actually like each other.
Walking out onto Russell Street, buzzing with that post-gig high, I caught myself thinking: “How the hell have I not seen them until now?” But I’m really glad I finally did.
So, if you’ve ever been on the fence about catching The Grogans live, take this as your sign. They’re the real deal – no frills, no fuss, just great music and good energy. I showed up not knowing exactly what I was in for and left already looking forward to the next one.
Support Act: Ethanol Blend
From Grit to Glow: Ethanol Blend’s Indie Alchemy
There was the warm-up act – Ethanol Blend – and I’ve got to say, they more than earned their spot that night.
Originally from Adelaide, Ethanol Blend began as a solo venture by frontman Jack “Slippery Sloth” Stokes in 2019. It didn’t stay that way long, he was soon joined by friends Dale Lasslett, Zack Dowd and Alex McDonald, shaping what quickly became a formidable garage-indie outfit. Their latest album, ‘Can’t Help But Wonder’, was the engine behind this tour and tracks like “Madison,” “Look Me In The Eyes” and “Hayfever” rolled out with both drive and raw honesty.
Their set was a dreamy, immersive journey, blending their signature shoegaze and indie rock sound with emotional intensity and rich, layered textures. They opened with ‘Set In Stone’, which instantly drew the crowd into their world with shimmering guitars and heartfelt vocals that set a reflective, almost cinematic tone. ‘Purple Bike’ brought a gentle rush of nostalgia with its swirling melodies and warm, hazy vibe. ‘Embrace’ carried the energy forward, building slowly into a powerful, reverb-soaked crescendo that had the crowd swaying in time. Each track flowed seamlessly into the next, capturing Ethanol Blend’s unique ability to craft soundscapes that are both deeply personal and completely transportive.
But here’s the thing, they weren’t just going through a set; they were building a mood. By the time The Grogans were ready to hit their notes, the room was already humming – charged with an Aussie indie‑rock warmth that hadn’t been there an hour before.
If you haven’t caught Ethanol Blend live yet, I’d say this: do it. They’ve got heart, they’ve got hooks and they deliver in a way that doesn’t try too hard – but still lands where it matters.
Support Act: Caitlin Harnett & The Pony Boys
Anyone who showed up early for The Grogans was rewarded with a stunning set from Caitlin Harnett & The Pony Boys. Caitlin Harnett & The Pony Boys consists of Caitlin Harnett on vocals and electric guitar, Sam Montague on electric guitar, Josh Piltz on drums and Nick Ryan on bass.
The Sydney-based band brought a smooth blend of alt-country and dreamy Americana, led by Harnett’s magnetic stage presence and smoky vocals that echoed shades of Mazzy Star with a Nashville twist. Their live sound, felt warm, raw and effortlessly intimate – a perfect match for the venue’s cozy-but-charged vibe.
Their set moved with ease between humour and heartbreak, with the crowd laughing one minute when with a mischievous grin, Caitlin told the crowd she’d thought about crowd surfing tonight and getting in amongst them, but thought better of it.
They delivered a set full of heartfelt twang and dreamy charm, each song like a postcard from a dusty road trip. ‘Only Dreaming’ floated in with soft, bittersweet vocals that felt like a late-night confession, while ‘I’ll Get By’ wrapped resilience in a warm, country-soaked melody. ‘Outside Of Life’ brought a hazy, melancholic groove and ‘Make You Feel Blue’ danced the line between sorrow and sweetness, turning heartache into something strangely comforting. Each track was rich with emotion and dusted with that unmistakable Pony Boys sparkle.
It was a seamless lead-in to The Grogans’ high-energy surf-rock chaos. Where Harnett and co. leaned into emotion and groove, The Grogans exploded with fuzzed-out riffs and garage-rock punch – a perfectly balanced night of Aussie music at its finest.
Caitlin Harnett & The Pony Boys proved they’re not just an opener – they’re a headline act in waiting.
Final tickets to the remainder of the tour in Australia and New Zealand are available from The Grogans website.
Sheldon Ang Media would like to thank This Much Talent Australia and The Grogans for the Accreditation.
About the Writer: Originally hailing from Western Australia, Jeana Thomas now thrives in the vibrant city of Melbourne. Amidst the hustle of her role in a prominent teaching hospital, she also navigates the dynamic world of entrepreneurship as the owner of a medical transcription company. Beyond her professional endeavours, Jeana finds solace and joy in the rhythm of music, the allure of travel and the artistry of photography, with a particular passion for wildlife photography.
About Sheldon Ang Media: Sheldon Ang Media (est. May 2022) have been accredited to more than 190 of the hottest acts including Coldplay (Perth), Taylor Swift (ERAS Tour in Sydney), KISS, Iron Maiden, RHCP, P!NK and The Kid LAROI with reviews shared by the likes of Belinda Carlisle, UB40, Delta Goodrem, The Wiggles and Toni Childs on social media. The founder has interviewed rockers Suzi Quatro, Ace Frehley (KISS), John Steel (The Animals), Frank Ferrer (Guns N Roses), Phil X (Bon Jovi), Andrew Farris (INXS) plus over 70 artists. SAM is also a music journalist on the Triple M Radio network.
