Labels: sonic deadline
Review by: Andy Malcolm
This is the second release from this gang who rather handily feature Shotmaker connections in their lineup. This generally ensures that they will be making music that is any good. Hurrah!
The Grey cruise through four songs on here that are charged by forceful guitars and an energetic rhythm, not to mention the strong vocals of Matt Deline. After the opening surge of “Roll the Numbers”, the band drops the pace a touch for the slow burning, bassy groove of “Asleep at the Wheel”. Top stuff – I love how the bass is controlling the song whilst the other elements weave their way in and out. Instrumental “Lights on the Red” rocks into earshot after that, though the riffage makes me think of “Born to be Wild” or something. Things come to a conclusion on “IV”, which reverts to vocals and drives the CD to a quality finish.
The music falls somewhere in between Jawbox, Braid (the vocals are reminiscent of Chris Broach at times) and Three Penny Opera, therefore having a flavour that comes from an era of the 1990s that you tend not to be lucky enough to hear that often in new bands these days. The Grey handily plug that rather sizeable gap on this EP, a definite progression and improvement from their previous CD.