Gramercy Arms
Gramercy Arms
7/10
Gramercy Arms from New York City pours out their melting pot sound deliciously into the group’s self-titled debut album. It is packed with an all-star line-up of the current and former members of Guided by Voices, Joan Wasser of Joan as Police Woman, Luna, Dead Air and The Damnbuilders lead singer Dave Darby (who composed most of the album). If that is not enough enticement, maybe these guest performances sweeten the pot: female comedian Sarah Silverman, Lloyd Cole, Chris Brokaw, Joan Wasser, present and former Nada Surf members, The Pernice Brothers and Shudder To Think. Apart from the massive collaborative effort, the debut album makes for a pretty sweet end result.
First off, “Automatic” screams out groovy and fresh because it is catch from the get-go. This hip song at first listen sets this band up for pop stardom. In addition, the foot-stomping quality of it makes it dare I say “automatic.”
Keeping with the up-beat vibe is this fun track complete with friendly hand claps bound to put a smile even on the most cynical faces. This is a fair question and a downright generalization: why are most songs written about the sun so positive? It might be because it evokes an energy and happiness that radiates a good time which could be said for this song that features a surprise guest appearance by comedian Sarah Silverman who provides backing vocals. This is not the first time Silverman teamed up with Gramercy Arms. Band members Rainy Orteca and Dave Derby worked on music for her Comedy Central television show, The Sarah Silverman Program.
Sprinkle a touch of Death Cab for Cutie and a dash of 80s movie soundtrack and out comes “Nothing I Can Do.” The band gels both musically and vocally throughout this track. There is a sense of surrender that possibly plays up to the title of the song that listeners could just let go and relax to.
The pattern continues in this track entitled “Since Last September.” The soft backing vocals make this song a team effort and not solely dependent on the lead singer. The band’s vibe is clearly established with every gentle strum of the guitar and their debut album flows freely through the speakers. Also, the melody for this track is infectious and worth a listen.
Another one for your ear drums is “Fakin’,” a song about interrogation hidden under the veil of pop rock. It is almost as deceptive as the band hailing from the Big Apple when they have such a West Coast beach mentality. As I sort that one out in my head, it is really hard to complain about a band with so much going for them as far as musical talent is concerned.
Gramercy Arms changes it up a bit with the track, “Wander On,” featuring a piano, plus an electric guitar solo performance. This one really spotlights the vocals of this band and it is a nice break from the previous energetic tracks.
On “Shining Bright,” picture Postal Service but with a more down-home flavor to them. Named after an Art Deco apartment block at East 22nd Street, Gramercy Arms takes pride in the city life and they do not loose their essence with a good old fashioned sing-along as any crowded bar would embrace. It is not cheesy; it is actually very refreshing because it is the kind of kick-back vibe that is good for your soul- get into that one.
Another one to get into is “Automaton,” not to be confused with “Automatic.” This song is surprisingly erotic under the guise of an up-beat, happy go-lucky sound. “I’m your slave, baby”- watch out Britney! Also, it’s short and sweet. Good times.
Speaking of good, listen to the jarring guitar introduction in the track “I Believe,” that plays out like a standard pop song with a 90s band feel to it.
The track, “Moving Slow,” matches the same energy behind the song, “Shining Bright.” However, this one is more instrumental and it feels more like a jam session. It is a great, mellow close-out to a band that likes to stir things up- if you smell what they’re cooking.
-Gail Navarro