GRINSPOON - review added 30th June 2011
Album Review: Six To Midnight (2011)
For fans of: Modern Metal
Australian band Grinspoon formed in the mid 1990s and debuted with "Guide to Better living" in 1997. "Easy" (1999) and "New Detention" (2002) followed, as did "Thrills, Kills and Sunday Pills" (2005) and "Alibis & Other Lies" (2007). The band called a hiatus in 2008, although it clearly didn't last very long as they are now back with their sixth studio album.
I haven't knowingly heard anything else by this band, but I have to say I see the appeal. Their work has gone platinum in their home country, and on this evidence there's no reason why it should happen again. There are some catchy tracks here without doubt.
The sound is modern and rocking with swift melodies, poppy drums and heavier elements interwoven into the mix. Vocalist Phil Jamieson doesn't have a particularly 'metal' voice, but his smooth tone works well as a contrast to the often bombastic musicianship. The overall effect should be lairy enough for metalheads, clever enough for prog-lovers and accessible enough for pop-rock fans.
Best tracks include the banging 'Dogs', the charty 'Run', the even more charty and damned cool 'Comeback', the grungy 'Lockdown', the leftfield 'Tonight', and the strangely catchy 'Summer'.
In Summation:
All in all this is a fine release. Not necessarily what I would expect from an Australian rock act, but sometimes a surprise can be a nice, er, surprise. Good stuff.
Entertainment/Enjoyment:
Musicianship:
Vocals:
Song Writing:
Production:
Overall (Not An Average Of The Above):
Track List:
01. Dogs
02. Run
03. Comeback
04. Takes One
05. Premonitions
06. Right Now
07. Give You More
08. Lockdown
09. Tonight
10. Passenger
11. Innocence
12. Surrender
13. Summer
Band/Performers:
Joe Hansen (bass)
Pat Davern (guitar)
Kristian Hopes (Drums)
Phil Jamieson (vocals and Shenanigans)
Other Info:
Label: Global Music
Artist's website(s): Grinspoon | MySpace | Facebook
