Once back in Australia Hodgson rejoined Patterson and Skyring to resume rehearsing in the Patterson family garden shed. Patterson described their band roles, "Patience couldn't play an instrument, so she was the singer. I was bored of playing keyboards so I started playing guitar, and Alana just drums however she wants." They deliberately chose not to have a regular bass guitarist, according to Craig Mathieson of "The Age" this indicates "they've shown a disdain for convention." They performed under a different name each night – they might trick regular customers into thinking they were a new band instead of the same "shitty" one. In January 2004 they first performed as the Grates; at Ric's bar in Brisbane. Subsequent noise restrictions limited live performances at the venue, Patterson recalled "It's pathetic. Ric's is our favourite place to play in Brisbane... We played our first couple of shows there about a year ago and miss playing there terribly." According to Australian music journalist, Ed Nimmervoll, "They name the Pixies and Weezer as influences." Whereas Tammy la Gorce of "AllMusic" opined their early material were "Ramones and Yeah Yeah Yeahs-influenced songs."