At the Islington Assembly Hall, the typical struggle of support acts to garner a full audience was refreshingly absent. Just 15 minutes after the doors opened at 7 pm, Grace Petrie took to the stage to a near-capacity crowd, setting the tone for a night of vibrant music and impassioned performances.
Grace started the evening by introducing the first of three support acts, the folk duo Amy Thatcher and Francesca Knowles. Their blend of accordion melodies and experimental synths captivated the audience, while Grace herself didn’t shy away from addressing the importance of giving support acts their due attention, likening inattentive audience members to political apathy.
Throughout the night, each act delivered standout performances, with solo artist Gabi Garbutt and poet Molly Naylor proving to be equally impressive. Grace’s words of encouragement and support for emerging artists resonated deeply, creating an atmosphere of unity and appreciation within the venue.
When Grace returned to the stage with her six-piece band, including Thatcher and Knowles, the energy in the room was palpable. Opening with “The Best Country in the World” from her latest album, Build Something Better, Grace’s lyrics addressing environmental concerns and political disillusionment struck a chord with the audience.
As the night progressed, Grace’s repertoire delved into themes ranging from the music industry to LGBTQIA+ experiences, showcasing her versatility as a performer and songwriter. Whilst all the material Grace played was met with enthusiasm, it was ironic that Grace’s older material that Frank Turner had not produced was more directly influenced by him, which had a rockier sound, such as “Black Tie” from Petrie’s 2018 album Queer as Folk.
In summary, Grace Petrie delivered an intimate and electrifying performance at the grassroots venue, championing her own music and nurturing emerging artists’ talent. With a blend of passion, sincerity, and musical prowess, Grace left an indelible mark on the audience, ensuring a night to remember for all in attendance.
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