The Grip Weeds
by Neil McDonald

The Grip Weeds
The Sound Is In You
Rainbow Quartz

Originally released in 1999, The Grip Weeds’ ambitious second album gets the remixed and remastered treatment courtesy of the ’60s pop revivalists at Rainbow Quartz Records and it’s a worthy addition to that label’s cache of Little Steven–approved nuggets. Led by the songwriting brother duo of drummer Kurt and guitarist Rick Reil, this New Jersey quartet prove themselves skillfully adept at sunshine–drenched power pop (“Ready and Waiting,” “Games”), psych–rock rave–ups (“What’s In Your Mind,” “Every Minute”) and Byrds–like jangle (“Strange Bird”). The band’s expert grasp of harmony and melody make forgivable the occasional misstep (the awkward Beatles homage “What I Believe Is You,” guitarist Kristen Pinell’s lead vocal turn on “Down To The Wire”), while bonus track cover versions of The Move’s “I Can Hear The Grass Grow” and The Left Banke’s “Lazy Day” prove the band’s garage rock pedigree. [NM]