Alan McGee
has called them the ‘best unsigned band in the world’ and a recommendation from
the great main is enough to make anyone sit up and take listen.
Whether they really are the best unsigned band in the world is another matter
altogether, but it is quite clear from just one listen (and thats all it
took) that The Grants are something rather special.
Their Myspace is full of drifting, softly sung tunes that float out of your
speakers and into those greyest, formally impenetrable parts. For a reference point you could maybe look to
Fleet Foxes, though that is really just because lead singer Chris Grant has got
a voice that can be filed under both ‘dreamy’ and ‘ethereal’, and because there are
occasional harmonies.
First song ‘Our
Story’ is the most memorable on here with its rather touching repetition of ‘its
our story/its our time/I’ll watch your back/ if you’ll watch mine.’ Its a stunning track, worthy of anyone signed
or unsigned. ‘I Am The One’ is similarly impressive with its gorgeous chorus of
‘tonight tonight tonight/I’ll be the lucky one to walk with you/to talk with
you/to dance with you.’ If that sounds all a bit trite, listen to the track and
you’ll curse yourself for your prejudices. It's a theme throughout; consistently simple lyrics that never slip into gloopy or natura-wank territory.
Lo-fi folky
sounds are very much in vogue at the moment, though to lump this lot in with
that movement would be a disservice.
There’s nothing floaty about these guys despite the consistently lulling
sound, and their black leather and sunglasses look shows the direction they’re
pulling in. It’s late night music for
lads, a dreamy downer for the masses gorging on over produced twat-rock.
Go forth and listen for Lord McGee has turned over another gem.
http://www.myspace.com/thegrantsrock
Another McGee prize find? If not The Grants, who ARE the best unsigned band in the world? Are YOU in the best unsigned band in the world? If so, let us know...
Posted In Myspace Watch, Mar 26 2009.
Words - Garth