CMW Live: Grady TATTOO ROCK PARLOUR - MARCH 6 - by Melissa Bessey - When a band defines their own sound as "cowpunk," curiosity is immediately stirred, and Grady certainly is a great band to see live. During their first Toronto performance at Tattoo Rock Parlour, the band started their intro with an upbeat, Hendrix-esque guitar sound and heavy, distorted low end, and the crowd loved them before the close of the first song. Grady's sound actually encompasses multiple genres other than country and punk, predominantly blues with some serious hard rock. They like to get the audience clapping along in time to their tunes, and by their third song, "Roll of Thunder," had heads banging and fists beating with intensity to the bluesy rock serenade. Throughout the show there were several great mid-song tempo changes, which really built anticipation of what was to come next. Another standout tune was "Cup of Cold Poison," which is the title and debut track from their new album and started with a dynamic guitar and bass duet. You may wonder what kind of image a "cowpunk" band has, but it's easy to explain: these guys look like straight-up cowboys. They have a strong stage presence, were dressed all in black, and stand very tall and lean. They also mounted a bull's skull to the front of the drum kit, which really enhanced the fact that they were from Texas. Grady is a band not to be missed if you like blues or hard rock, and put on an energetic show from beginning to end.