It’s hard not
to carry concern when you hear about one of your favorite
bands going through adjustments that just sound like it
would carry no favor for anyone, and in this instance, I
speak, of course, of the Grates. It’s been three years since
the release of their last full length, Teeth Lost, Hearts
Won, and in that time they have changed geographically,
physically, characteristically, musically, -ically, -ically,
-ically. Alright, so it may not actually be that extreme,
but some remodeling has occurred, namely a subtraction
that’s brought the trio down to a duo. Throw in a move from
Australia to Brooklyn, and I’ve rightfully deserved a
concerned look on my face. Reason makes me want to say that
the three year hiatus was to deal with all these things and
ensure something good, in the end, will assuredly come out
of it. Well ... things have been dealt with, and something
good has come out of it all.
Considering the changes the band’s dealt with, it’s no
surprise that this album deals with working with changes and
moving on - those awkward transitionary phases in life that
forces you to grow up in some way. Secret Rituals is
the third and latest release from The Grates, and while I
know it’s horribly cliché to write about how a new album
represents maturity, nothing rings more true for this album.
The first two full-lengths were unbridled views on the world
as an oyster - moving without looking back, acting without
reason, and just the sheer joys of youth. This latest
offering brings up the next phase - the point where you gain
a matured point of view and everything changes. The
brilliance in all of this is that the Grates have ventured
into adulthood without being captured by the trappings of
it. All things considered, The Grates are definitely one
band I’m always glad to hear, because they’re one band I’m
always glad to hear about - their going-ons and the way it
affects their music are such a clear reflection of each
other.
:The
Grates - Turn Me On:
:The
Grates - Welcome To The Middle:
- Brad Benedict
Corteza -
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