THE GOLDEN GRASS – The Golden Grass
- Posted on 14-05-2014
5 songs normally constitutes an EP, right? But in the case of Brooklyn, NY trio The Golden Grass, their self-titled debut is actually a 36 minute adventure, and back in the 60’s and 70’s where a lot of their sonic platform comes from this would be considered a full album.
Psychedelic and comfortable, material like "Stuck on a Mountain" and the 12 minute plus epic "Wheels" has a wide variety of sounds, incorporating bluesy riffing, UK psychedelia, a little bit of southern rock, and a happier atmosphere that just sweeps you off your feet. Drummer Adam Kriney and guitarist Michael Rafalowich each handle lead vocals, trading off sometimes within the same song – both melodic and soulful on one of my favorite cuts, the southern tinged/ feedback groove number "One More Time". The tone and sonic choices are natural – The Golden Grass preferring straight snare, bass, and guitar elements with very little effects enhancing even the vocal presentation.
"Wheels" gives all three musicians (rounded out by bassist Joe Noval) a chance to set up a long mid-section ‘jam’ aspect, where one will take an idea and the other two flesh things out, only to trade off a few moments later – something I think The Allman Brothers/ The Who fanatics will clamor for. I know a lot of consumers feel the retro-metal/ 70’s hard rock market appears to be hotter than ever- but The Golden Grass are not throwing down doom/ stoner aspects or trying to outdo Led Zeppelin. Their sound is vibrant, alive, and positive – keeping this release at the forefront of my day.
Remember Cactus or The Move? The Golden Grass shines like those early acts – and I look forward to seeing what their future songwriting brings to the table in the coming years.
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