Following their announcement as part of the brand new Perth-based music festival, ‘This Is Nowhere’, Grails are following in the footsteps of fellow instrumentalists, Tortoise, and extending their Perth appearance to a nation-wide show that’ll bring the Portland, Oregon collective’s enigmatic live show to Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane this October.
Instrumental rockers Grails have traversed vast musical plains since their conception as a side project by the name of “Laurel Canyon” in 2000. The name change accompanied the creation of first full-length album in 2003, and Grails have released an album or more per year since, toying with various musical shapes and styles and leaving themselves tough to identify with a single genre.
2008’s Doomsdayer’s Holiday has been cited as Grails’ heaviest album to date. Whilst there are definite indirect nods to bands such as Mastodon or Black Sabbath, “heavy” applies more to the sense of sonic density rather than the sound itself. Immersive compositions and unpredictable structures create an ominous mood littered with stinging violins and throbbing bass lines, where even the quiet moments invoke a sense of trepidation.
Deep Politics (2011) is best described as spaghetti post-rock, and a testament to Grails’ ability to create near-cinematic soundscapes to rival those of Ennio Morricone. Constantly swirling sounds and shifting dynamics make every moment on this album captivating – unlike other instrumental acts, the focus is not on an overwhelming crescendo but rather the power of subtlety and unpredictability to create a enticing whole. Slower moments are interspersed with sandstorms of chaotic guitar, which are then tamed again as eastern-tinged strings meld roll into the mix like a lonely spinifex.
Their live show is just as powerful a transcendental experience – generic instruments become tools capable of taking the listener on a trip through smoky layers of mind, body and spirit. With talented musicians sharing instruments and interchangeable parts, the first ever Grails Australian tour is definitely the must-see for 2012!
GRAILS // AUSTRALIAN TOUR 2012 DATES
Saturday October 13
The Corner
Melbourne (supporting Tortoise [USA])
Tickets from http://tickets.
UWA, Perth w/ Tortoise, Beach Fossils, Xiu Xiu, HTRK, Puro Instict…
Tickets from http://tickets.
Wednesday October 17
The Zoo
Brisbane w/ Special Guests
Tickets from http://tickets.
Northcote Social Club
Melbourne w/ Special Guests
Tickets from http://tickets.
Friday October 19
Oxford Art Factory
Sydney w/ Special Guests
