The Grammatics - Album Sampler (Review)

The Grammatics are a Leeds based quartet who have been wowing us with their exciting brand of theatrical indie rock for the past couple of years with the release of four excellent singles (I think every single has been a near epic pop gem). So, here we are in 2009 and it gives me great excitement to recieve a five song sampler of their debut self-titled album, which is due for release in March.


Opening the record is 'Shadow Committee' the first song I heard by Grammatics back in 2007. And very much like the first time I heard this tune, the new version still totally blows away with its blend of dance rock rhythms (featuring wood block) and its gloriously heavy chorus, complete with distorted guitars and soaring vocal melodies courstey of front man 'Owen Brinley'.
Elesewhere there is the beautiful acoustic tones of 'Cruel Tricks Of the Light' which again shows on Brinley's talents both as a songwriter and musician. Then we have progressive sounds of 'Inkjet Lakes'; organ driven, layered with effect-heavy guitars and distored bass, intricate drum rhythms and the paring of Brinley's rich, powerful vocals and cellist's Emillia Ergin's sweet yet bold vocal delivery. This is one of the more stand out moments on the sampler and proves that this isn't band aren't all about power pop and infact can be quite epic and psychedelic too.
Listening to other album tracks such as the rousing 'Rosa Flood' and beautifully bold indie pop tones of former single 'The Vague Archive' really gives me alot of hope for this album in all its romatic, cinematic and totally magically glory.


Rating: 8.5/10
Download: The Vague Archive