REVIEW: Grinspoon, Guide To Better Living (Universal)
- Linda Scott
Grinspoon has been around their native Australia since 1995, and they are making their presence known in the U.S. with some radio airplay, short tours, and their new album, Guide To Better Living. They're a punk/grunge rock band with some metal and pop accents, targeted to the under-age moshers who love those songs about getting drunk and living the life you want to live. The driving bass line, short songs with metal transitions appeal; and Guide To Better Living is loaded with them. In fact nearly every song on the album is just like that; the album could be a hit with this niche audience.
This Aussie quartet is Phil Jamieson (vocals), Joe Hansen (bass), Pat Davern (guitar), and Kristian Hopes (drums). Heavy riffs and straining vocals are their mainstay. These were strong enough to blow away the competition in their country's Unearthed contest. With guaranteed airplay, the band picked up more gigs, recorded two EPs, and then made Guide To Better Living. The debut album shows off their thumping bass and guitar-heavy tracks and Jamieson's hoarse vocals. Their irreverent lyrics are in the great punk tradition, but the band is into lyrics that are lighthearted rather than the revolutionary Sex Pistols' lines.
Grinspoon has some diversity on Guide To Better Living. A few tracks, such as "Repeat", "Don't Go Away", and "Rail Rider", show their pop side. These are more mellow, less aggressive; and they show that the band can do more than hardcore punk. However, these songs have not been as successful for them, so the moshers won't be seeing a pop Grinspoon anytime soon. A last note here, is that some of the riffs sound familiar, and the band readily admits to the influences of other bands, such as White Zombie.
If you like punk music that's got a funk/rock/metal edge, pick up Guide To Better Living. Their web site is: http://www.grinspoon.com.au . The band may not hold a great appeal for everyone, but for young, white partying punk males, this may be just the ticket.
