Album Review: Grin - Translucent Blades
Reviewed by Neil Bolton
Germany’s Grin are labelled as a “heavy psych doom outfit“. Now like me you may have read this description or something similar for other bands, only to listen and realise this might not be the case. Well strap your self in Ladies and Gentlemen because Grin are heavy, psychedelic and most defiantly DOOM. Fortunately I love Doom so I sit here typing with a smile on my face.
Grin are a duo consisting of Jan and Sabine Oberg of Earth Ship renown. This album 'Translucent Blades' was reportedly recorded in just one week at Jan’s personal recording studio, Hidden Planet Studio, in Berlin and is a reflection of the musical minds of its creators. God their evenings must be dark.
We begin with 'Helix' thundering dirty bass fills your ears joined with some very catchy drum beats. The vocals begin and are low in the mix, but perfect for the music. You're not going to be singing along with this, at least not for a while. But you may eventually.
Second track 'Orbital Grace' is a slightly smoother track, but no less heavy. And then track three 'Translucent Blades' the title track. The intro of this track just lets you know this is a little special. Once again bass and drums take the lead (well I suppose they have to, there is only two of them). Your head bobs, all be it slowly, to the doom.
All of a sudden track four begins happy, 'Husk' starts with an optimistic outlook, maybe even anthemic guitar work. It carries on this way as well, all the way through. 'Electric Eye' brings us back to bass heavy doom, but by this point you know what your getting and you want it. Dark, heavy, doomy and loud. Once again guitar instead of bass begin the next track and a whistle blows in the background. What did I say about dark? 'Reviver' completes the album in the way it started.
If Conan and/or Electric Wizard sit in your music library you may wish to add Grin also. You will not be disappointed. But be warned you might have to clean your hi-fi after though as this is dirty!
Grin release 'Translucent Blades' on January 1st via Crazysane Records.
