Post by jptheprofessor on Sept 17, 2006 22:36:20 GMT -5
GRANTHAM ROAD – PARADE (Susquehanna Entertainment) Named after a thoroughfare in singer/guitarist Flint Ziegler’s hometown of Mechanicsburg, Grantham Road first formed in 2001. In 2003, the first edition of the group dissolved, and Ziegler and drummer Steve Geyer formed the current edition of the group with bassist Jason Shaffer. On their latest album, Parade, Grantham Road defines their current sound as rock rooted in roots. The group crafts catchy and effective blue-collar rock melodies around a foundation that taps country, folk and blues roots; resulting in polished American rock and roll not far removed from the musical neighborhoods of Hootie & the Blowfish, Gin Blossoms and The Badlees. The latter comparison is not a coincidence, as former Badlees guitarist/singer Jeff Feltenberger produced the album and Badlees collaborator Mike Naydock contributed one song, the album closer “They Fell Out A Window.” Grantham Road maintains a steady consistency throughout the album’s eleven songs, with muscular rhythms supporting Ziegler’s gritty baritone voice. Guest Chris Novak’s keyboard tones and Wayne Supergenius guitarist John Fritchey help flesh out the sound along the way. Among the songs are the gradually escalating title number “Parade;” punchier numbers such as the driving “Shallow,” “Faster Than You” and “Stranger;” and brisk midtempo rockers like “Wide Awake” and “I Won’t Fight.” The group also gives a hard, edgy read to Neil Young’s “Love Is a Rose,” given a touch of rural finesse by guest Craig Cady’s banjo; and they bolster a song from their earlier incarnation, “Martin Myers.” Grantham Road is able to successfully merge melody, rocking edge and roots without ever drifting too far off center. Jeff Feltenberger’s production is never too complex, enabling the group’s roots-anchored melodies to carry the day, with just enough nuances and embellishments to accent the sound where needed. The result is a strong, likable and consistent album; from a band showing renewed focus. On Parade, Grantham Road redefines their musical turf as rootsy, melodic and punchy rock, and successfully finds a happy middle ground between edge and twang. (For information on obtaining the album, visit the group’s website. www.granthamroad.com.)