THE GOLDEN GRASS

THE GOLDEN GRASS

SVART Records

As albums go these days, this eponymous release from The Golden Grass is pretty short at only five tracks, but boy, does it leave a great impression. Formed early last year, the band hails from Brooklyn, and term themselves a power trio. That’s a fair enough description, but they’re immensely melodic, too – they must be doing something right, as they even had a recording contract in their pocket before their first gig! There’s something very nostalgic about this album, a sort of 70s vibe that’s a bit like early Mick Abrahams and Blodwyn Pig. It’s all up- tempo, the music is full of hooks, tough and riffy ( particularly One More Time), but the feelgood factor is exceptionally high throughout. Michael Rafalowich is the guitarist, and he shares lead vocal duties with drummer Adam Kriney, while Joseph Noval is the bass player. Although the individual tracks are a decent length, sadly, it’s all over far too quickly. You’ll have to hit the repeat button to get more, but you’ll most certainly want to. plus plenty of acoustic mastery and some jazz, too. The arrangements are extraordinary in places, and it’s a constant game of guess- the- song, as very few of the intros give you a clue. A Taste Of Honey is beautifully executed; Sealed With A Kiss is classic Marvin; and the self- penned Summer Guitar is a good combination of Strat and Gypsy jazz acoustic. In fact, Hank tells us that the album was originally going to be titled Summer Guitar, but let’s face it, there’s nothing wrong with ‘ Hank’! There’s nothing wrong with this album, either – it has great tunes, great arrangements and brilliant playing, and finishes nicely with a riffy and forceful interpretation of Waterloo Sunset. Pick this up and add some sunshine to your life.