Melbourne three piece Gruntbucket release their 2nd album " Songs From An Empty Room" today May 1st. Swampy, barbed guitars that narrate a song as succinctly as a lyric are a standout on this record.
Gruntbucket have been around for a while, (since 2007 infact) and this album proves to be a great example of how the band has used their time to deliver a thrilling recording that takes the listener to places they haven't been before.
First track "Regrets" introduces you to guitars that cut like barbed wire, sharp, jagged and undeniably present once they touch you. A real little rocker musically and tempered by vocalist Mikey Maddens smooth as silk vox. The guitars slash through the music intermittenly to keep you on the edge of your seat and wanting more.
"Didn't Leave A Trace" takes the pace down a little, however the dirty, dirty, swampy blues guitars haven't gone anywhere as they skip across the surface of a muddy river and then take a dive deep into the swamp. This song is a classic example of Melbourne songwriting at it's best and makes me misty for the metaphorical dirty old town Melbourne was.
Third track "Cry Cry Cry" showcases Mikey's smooth vocal control that once again could, but doesn't sit at odds with guitars that grunt and quiver like a shock from an electric fence. "Broken Alone" follows along nicely in the tracklisting and as per the album title actually feels like it comes from an empty room prior to the songs halfway mark when the guitars take the song out on the road and drive full tilt towards a cliff before flying out over a dark choppy sea in slow motion. Like I said earlier the guitars on this album narrate so succinctly. Might have something to do with the input of legendary guitarist Spencer P Jones who is credited on the album as responsible for additional guitars along with Andrew McGee and Ryan Nelson.
Track 6 takes another twist as Gruntbucket deliver the most upbeat and dare I say pop sounding song on the record with "I Could Wait". Catchy riffage and a cacophany of acoustic and electric guitars. A choice number to wriggle and dance to.
If you are in the mood for something perfect to listen to on a cold rainy Sunday arvo, beer in hand at a pub with a couple of mates track 7 fits the bill. "I Want" is a great song, great melodies, great structure, awesome atmosphere.
" Songs From An Empty Room" has so much depth and meat on its bones you can literally chew on it for hours and taste something new every time you play it. Great record. Get your own copy on CD or VINYL here http://www.gruntbucket.com/releases.html
Gruntbucket are; Mikey Madden - Guitar/ vocals, Tim McCormack- Bass, Dave Watkins -Drums
Gruntbucket launch the album at The Tote on Saturday May 5th with support from Iowa and Teenage Libido. Tops !
