THE GRIP WEEDS
The Sound Is In You
(RAINBOW QUARTZ)

While so many of today's indie bands fail when asked to sing in key or bash as one, the Grip Weeds have an amazing grasp of vocal harmonies, collective group unity, and songwriting skill. Drawing a supercharged take on the Byrds-Burritos-Moby Grape vintage, TGW soar through songs that, though entirely derivative, are laced with fantastic melodies and powerful musicianship. At times also including equal doses of the Monkees and the Who ("Better World", "Games"), TGW never lack for energy and invention. There is nary a throwaway song on the album. So good they at times border on parody ("What I Believe Is You"), the group's stunning grasp of style and sound is a revelation. Of course, if you prefer out-of-tune guitars and adenoidal vocals or retro punk, TGW will simply annoy. For everyone else, fall down and worship.

KEN MICALLEF