Australia’s The Grates (who have been living in NYC for a while now) are only a three-person team, but the amount of spunk and spark in their upbeat indie-pop makes them sound like they’ve got a full party in tow. Singer Patience Hodgson, guitarist John Patterson and drummer Alana Skyring play tunes that are infused with scatterbrained quirks and infectious melodies, resulting in what one might consider music that’s pure erratic bubblegum goodness. The band’s most recent album, 2008’s Teeth Lost, Hearts Won, is bursting with these tasty treats, such as the sing-a-long, clap-worthy "Burn Bridges" and the synthy anthem "Aw Yeah." Watch for Hodgson, as she’s known to leap off stages and playfully dance her way into crowds, her microphone cord bouncing around not too far behind. Her confidence as an entertainer and her "anything goes" attitude call to mind captivating frontwomen Karen O and ’90s Gwen Stefani. The Grates take over Mercury Lounge on Friday July 9th. – Michelle Gelsani