If you’re looking for a more unusual blend to delight your listening senses, think pleasant guitar melodies, passionate vocals and sing along anthems. This all adds up to Chicago based pop-punk-rock-emo-whatever-else band Grown Ups.
Their sound is oddly dated, but at the same time newly refreshing. Taking influence from Blink 182 mixed with Algernan Cadwallader. This produces something that you might not have really heard before. Like an older, perhaps more mature take on a young genre of music. And what with their first European shows due this week, they have gathered a massive following.
Their new album ‘More Songs’, produced by Matt Allison (Less Than Jake), is a great example of their unique style. It sets a consistent pace of technical ability, yet is also loaded with passion and rawness. One minute you will find yourself drifting away with the mix of light-hearted, tuneful guitar sounds, then suddenly woken up by the roaring riffs and thundering drums. If you peel away layers of this collection of songs, you’ll find hidden sounds, influences and styles. This multi talented array of musical candy is the ultimate sugar rush.
It is hard to pick a highlight from the album. Lead singer Doyle Martin belts out his gravely, loose tones with such feeling and depth. Taking this pop-punk emo genre and giving it variation. Something to sink your teeth into.
The easily likeable ‘Pear’ can be seen as an insight into their lives. Talking of love, life and the complexes of both. But never giving too much away. You can make your own interpretation. Possibly one of the reasons for their ever growing popularity.
Another factor is the reminiscence of good times. It does exactly what it’s supposed to do. Makes you feel like the sun is shining and everything is ok.
‘Weed Science’ is a relatable song. Simple and honest, delivered in a way that’s straight to the point. Not only feel good in the listening sense, but also in the no worries approach to life’s troubles. Also, ‘Surprise Party’ is a great display of the technical and musical brilliance of this band. You can listen to it over and over again and the likeability just won’t fade.
The lyrics of ‘Six more weeks of winter’, when read without music are like a modern piece of poetry. A journey into a lion’s jaw, turning lead into gold, a tale of desperation. When this is mixed with the music, you get something really special.
Each song ranges from shout-happy anthem to relaxing melody. You could stand up and dance around or chill with a beer in hand. As gutsy and meaty as a t-bone steak, yet as beautifully presented and creative as nouveau cuisine. Suited to the student in anyone, yet would still appeal to the ‘Grown Ups’ too.
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