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Burning Off Impurities
album review
by jon bosworth    jaxvillain@yahoo.com

Artist: Grails

Title: Burning Off Impurities

Release date: 04.24.07


      When I interviewed Summerbirds in the Cellar recently they mentioned a band called Macha that played non-western music. When I found this now defunct band I marveled at their song structures. It is true that bands such as Beirut have ushered in a new era in rock music that includes many more Eastern sounds. Chris Spohn has been experimenting with a variety of Eastern sounds for years right here in town. However, it is only recently that I have noticed a real national interest in this sort of music, and it is about time. Now that the Westernized modalities of rock and roll have finally grown so tired that there is an enormity of trite music on the books, it is dynamically refreshing to discover a band such as Grails.

      This Portland instrumental band features an eclectic assortment of instruments ranging from ambient Indian stringed instruments to violins and drums. Their compositions are deep, dark, and sometimes adventurous. Although certainly avant-garde, they have percussions that are soothing and predictable, sometimes almost jam band-ish, but their music is so original that it never bores.

      There is no need for vocals in these complex songs that swell and burst, then trickle through the speakers. These songs take you on desert adventures (‘More Extinction’) and through Turkish markets (‘Silk Rd’), leaving you feeling as though you have really been somewhere new. Songs such as ‘Drawn Curtains’ allude to a more contemporary vision of their ancient aesthetics, drawing on wah guitar and an almost western beat (but not quite). They somehow manage to sound exotic regardless of their rhythms, instruments or American backgrounds.

      Seeing this band live is certain to be an experience worth treasuring. Pick up Burning off Impurities at their upcoming show. Look for Grails to play live with MONO and World’s End Girlfriend at TSI on May 8.

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