The Grazing Saints - Selene
Local band The Grazing Saints turn in a debut of swamp-psyche-blues-rock bordering on greatness.
From the bayous of Norfolk, The Grazing Saints have a take on swamp-psyche-blues-rock that is contemporary but rich in late 60s/early 70s heritage. On opener Let’s Get Away From These Flatlands and single Ghost Story, Joe Quinn’s vocals sound a thousand years old, marinated in whisky, nicotine and pain, just perfect for these songs. Maelstrom is in a similar vein before breaking into a psychepop chorus. Bright Beacon is more upbeat, hinting at classic soul. The hoedown of Honey I Dig You (And I Hope You Remain To Be Fruitful) is a prime piece of cosmic Americana. Stormy Weather takes an unexpected turn into post-rock, like the quieter moments of Explosions In The Sky or Mogwai. Album highlight Some Things Never Change could be Creedence Clearwater Revival covering Edwin Collins’ Music To Watch Girls By. If there was any justice, this would be a surprise hit. White Devils Blood Is Milk is like Tony Joe White and Crazy Horse jamming Mudhoney’s Mudride. Both Living Without A Head and closer Ark (Selene) could be Neil Young covering the Beatles. Quinn’s guitar is fiery but never flashy. Paul Taylor’s bass pulsates and throbs. Michele Amato's drums underpin it all, restrained where appropriate and thunderous where necessary.
Bordering on marvellous.
9/10
