Album Primer: The transportive blues garage / lounge rock / tropical art punk dreamscape of "The Grunion"

 

"thoughts are jumbled up..."

When "Free Will Walkin" starts with it's odd mix of 60's garden psyche rock meets 1940's jazz affections meets I'm not sure what(?) my ears perked up and one eye brow raised. The band is L.A. based The Grunion and the song is from their new self titled full length. The propensity of pearly keys that sound like one of those white and green Farfisa organs pervade the songs on this album and there is a Doors vibe on the dreamy "Comin Home" which floats from psyche blues rock to an almost country sway or on the beach gothic / tropical punk / meets jazz band "Blind" that made me think of Morrison fronting an amalgam of The Growlers, Cigarettes After Sex and Mr. Elevator and the Brain Hotel.

The mesmerizing slow dance of "Today" (a track that might steal this album's show) feels like an eerie spiral down and, at once, has elements of a sky caper meets Bryan Ferry, meets Pink Floyd. Digging this swoony affair. Interestingly, "It's A Blur", that sounds like a flipped sister song to "Today", also has a 1979 proto punk-esque tone with funk punk propensities and a sensual allure that, again, feels a bit Roxy Music with some of the glitter wiped away. "Wrinkles Of Life" (Remastered) swings broadly, feels all inclusive with a deep bass bottom and feels like one of those songs that a rapper could flow on top of. There is some talking part that does happen but I am talking about someone like Darren Isaiah (who I recently covered on AP). "Ol Bar Routine" is the most blues funky jamming and highlights the great musicality of this band. It is one of those songs that you dance to with drink in hand. "Best Of All" is a beautiful mellow house party and made me think a bit of Chicano Batman.  

[The Grunion was sourced from Cal Poly Pomona and assembled by lead singer/bassist Quinn McCarthy. This harmonious hodgepodge of members includes Jack Keough (guitar/vocals), Jacob Sahagun (keyes), Kyle Martinez (trumpet), and Chad Ryan (drums/percussion).]

The album "The Grunion" by The Grunion is a art punk / funk / blues garage / lounge rock blend that feels transportive, sways elegantly and trippy. On one hand these collection of songs feel like a band still trying to find their sound (to me) at least a little bit but along the way they will charm the pants off those who take late night drives with their music blaring.

-Robb Donker Curtius 

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Throwing down a heavy dose of groove drenched indie rock The Grunion seeks to provide a modern representation of the 60s spirit. Each song works to create a sonic landscape full of rich vocal harmony, meticulous songwriting, and improvisation. Above all the band works to provide music that is rooted in sincerity and musicianship. The group was sourced from Cal Poly Pomona and assembled by lead singer/bassist Quinn McCarthy. This harmonious hodgepodge of members includes Jack Keough (guitar/vocals), Jacob Sahagun (keyes), Kyle Martinez (trumpet), and Chad Ryan (drums/percussion). Influences for the group include The Doors, CSNY, Pink Floyd, and Frank Sinatra. The Grunion currently resides in Los Angeles county and rehearses in a spartan trailer. 

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