LIVE FROM THE PIT: Violet Grohl and Bekah Bossard
The evening began with support artist BEKAH BOSSARD, who was met by an already enthusiastic crowd as she took to the stage. Joined by her bandmate, the pair delivered an acoustic set that provided a softer introduction to the evening. Their voices worked particularly well together, with the duetting vocals bringing warmth to the stripped back arrangements. Bossard’s delicate vocals suited the gentle instrumentation, while the pair’s connection with the audience created an easy sense of intimacy. Bossard made multiple acknowledgements about how engaged the crowd were, showing just how much of an impact her music can make. Overall, it was a fitting way to ease the room into the evening while still building anticipation for what was to come.
Following a short interval, the lights went down and VIOLET GROHL took to the stage. The Jacaranda Baltic provided an appropriately intimate setting for the latest stop on her Be Sweet To Me tour, with the relatively small room allowing the focus to remain firmly on her and the songs. Rather than relying on elaborate production, Grohl kept things refreshingly simple and stripped back, accompanied by a band who provided plenty of grit without ever feeling overpowering.
Her influences are impossible to ignore, bringing both an old skool yet fresh sound to the modern rock scene. Be Sweet To Me carries clear traces of ’90s alternative rock, particularly the grunge and female-fronted acts that defined the era such as THE CRANBERRIES, HOLE and even elements of MAZZY STAR. Live, however, these influences took on a heavier character. “595” felt really melodic and catchy, while similarly Cool Buzz showcased Grohl’s ability to create an infectious chorus. THUM was another standout, gradually building tension with heavier instrumentation without going over the top and allowing violets vocals to take centre stage.
One of the evening’s more vulnerable moments came with Bug In The Cake, a deeply personal song written about Grohl’s grandmother. Among the heavy guitar lines, the track offered a glimpse of a more emotional side to her songwriting. The emotional weight could be felt through the crowd as everyone sang and danced along, and really respected how important Bug In The Cake is to Grohl.
The set also featured several unreleased songs, offering a glimpse into the direction Grohl could take her music next. Without the familiarity of finished recordings, these tracks felt more open ended, with some already possessing their own distinct identity while others seemed to still be taking shape. Rather than feeling unfinished, there was something compelling about hearing an artist still building their identity and working out exactly how she wants her music to sound.
What is already clear is that she already has such a genuine connection with her music. This came through most strongly during the quieter moments, where the performance became less about spectacle and more about communicating the emotion behind the songs, in which the crowd listened in admiration and sang their hearts out during those louder moments.
There is still plenty for Grohl to discover as an artist, but Saturday night offered an encouraging glimpse of what that journey will become. In the intimate setting of the Jacaranda Baltic, she gave the audience more than enough reason to keep watching and follow her journey through the music industry. Words and Photos: Megan Alexander
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