Jon Dawson
Free Press Correspondent

New: House of Vibes Revisited
Ground Up
Artist: Grip Weeds
5 Stars

The Grip Weeds debut album has been given the deluxe treatment in the form of “House of Vibes Revisited.” Along with bonus tracks and live performances, the album has been remastered to fit in sonically with other Grip Weeds classics, such as “Giant on the Beach” and “The Sound Is in You.”

For a quick idea of what this band is all about, check out the current radio single “Salad Days,” a timeless melodic rocker in the tradition of The Byrds or The Who that wouldn’t sound out of place on an album by Oasis or The White Stripes.

While the Grip Weeds have assuredly been influenced by a multitude of vintage artists, their sound is not retro, but timeless. The combination of seamless harmonies, propulsive drumming and slash and burn guitar playing is always going to be in fashion, especially when the songwriting is as strong as it is on this album.

“House of Vibes Revisited” is proof that the words “modern” and “rock ‘n’ roll” are not mutually exclusive. For more information, visit www.gripweeds.com.