Killer review from
www.welovemetal.comI covered GRIFTER briefly on the HEAVY RIPPLES compilation earlier in the week and was very impressed with their party time look at modernized 70s classic rock. Having formed in 2003 the band is heavily influenced by the cross section of acts and sounds including AC/DC, MOTORHEAD, CLUTCH, and even SOUNDGARDEN. Having briefly covered the dirty biker rock of GRIFTER in the past let’s get to their self-titled offering.
Before we take a look at the first of the few songs off the album I want to cover; as you read always keep in the back of your mind that GRIFTER is a band that has a sound that deserves to be heard in a live setting. The recording and production is great, but I personally feel seeing these guys live would be the ultimate GRIFTER experience because their music and lyrics give a definite party atmosphere.
We are going to start with GOODDAY FOR BAD NEWS and its grove that is soaked in the feel of the 70s. The vocals are slightly restrained early on, but open up in the chorus and as I said before: dude can sing. With the vocals getting bigger the guitar is allowed to fill in the back and boost the overall sound. With every strum you can hear the hard rock that started the metal we listen to today.
More after the warp:
ASSHOLE PARADE is next for its massive percussion and awesome song title. This is a very bluesy song that is best described as muddy and dirty. The drum work holds everything together and the line “come on everybody” heading into the chorus will having you singing along before you realize you’re doing it.
GRIFTER stays away from the instant hook for a more methodical pacing in YOUNG BLOOD OLD VEINS. With that being said the drums bring the song up to a level of sound I didn’t expect after the first bit. I brought this one up because it might not be the flashiest song GRIFTER has, but it’s a really good rock and roll song. Sometimes that’s all you need.
BUCKTOOTH WOMEN is another of my favourite titles and the blues are brought to your ears with some clapping and solitary guitar work. Heavy drum work brings the full instrumental arrangement in. I loved this song from start to finish and just seeing the title had me singing it in my head. This track has been blasted a lot in my car lately.
We see some intensity from the band in STRIP CLUB. The more rapid fire vocal pattern shows the boys know how to be hard and heavy. Although the instruments seem laid back at times STRIP CLUB is a really fun song with stellar lyrics.
GONE BLUES is a different side to GRIFTER with its acoustic opening. This was a great choice as it shows some chops in the music that could get lost in the party atmosphere. The song writing shines and you have to think this would be a great way for a live show to pause and give the crowd a chance to get to know the band and how musically talented they are.
Overall this is one of the best hard rock albums from top to bottom that I have listened to this year. The bluesy biker rock is exactly what I need on a hot day when I’m driving home to a beer and a weekend off. Pick up GRIFTER, grab a beer, flip some porn, and get your rock on!
8.5 OUT OF 10 HORNS