GRAY CELL GREEN
"Train of Thought" (Demo)
Reviewed by Jason Savage
I recently received a two song demo from Manchester, CT based Grey Cell Green.
I was so impressed with it, I immediately inquired about receiving more material. They were currently in the
final mixing stages at Broccoli Rabe Studios in Fairfield, NJ, with knob-twister Phil Mann producing.
I must say it was definitely worth the wait.
Track one, entitled "Glance," completely blew me away with its Iron Maidenesque opening riff.
Vocalist Curtis Cassarino's unique and powerful, fast paced stylings bring a breath of fresh air to
the current stagnant metal scene - a scene that finds many bands imitating each other. Eerie wails
echoed throughout this tune. "Far From You," the second offering, changes the pace a bit. More
echoing vocals that slightly reminded me of Depeche Mode but with way heavier guitars. My friend
Whitey, aka "Dr. JR Whiteluv" said the song sounded like a Bad Religion tune.
"Forgotten" presents yet another different vocal offering. The guitar chords were dark and
menacing and complemented the vox quite nicely. "Evildye" thrust me back to the 80's. I found
myself blasted by thrashy guitars, courtesy of virtuoso and music degree earner, Steve Matthews.
His solo forced me to take cover behind my desk! Bassist Rob Waldron and Drummer
Matt Glasser provided the glue that held this metal boat afloat.
By this point, I was very much into this CD. I hear so many different things, I find myself at a loss for
words. No two songs sounded the same, a welcome change from the current standard. Grey Cell
Green have truly set themselves apart from today's trendy melting pot of rappers, cookie monsters
and monotone crooners.
"Shrug" attacked me with a nu-metal groove and before I
could blink, it warped me into a spacey sixties psychedelic trip. Then came the tribal beat mixed in with a doomy
background riff. It may sound confusing but it flows very well.
Other songs on this ever-changing groovefest are: "Pollyanna," "Treadmill,"
"Another," and "Another Glance." This final track's intro provides a beautiful string arrangement that
gives way to a very short (1:45) acoustic version of the opening track, "Glance." I was thoroughly impressed with
this over the top opus.
This is Grey Cell Green's second release. They sent me their first release also, which I am excited to hear as well. It's very difficult to categorize these guys. I'd like to say Progressive Melodic Metal meets Stoner Rock meets ... damn, I can't do it. Whitey said it's Alternative meets Death Metal, but I didn't think it reached that extreme.
Definitely a must buy, even if your only intention is to smoke a jay and sit in a room full of candles and incense. I can't wait to see Grey Cell Green live. Yet another band that deserves a record deal.
Rating Guide:
A classic. This
record will kick your ass.
Killer. Not a classic but it
will rock your world.
So-so. You've heard better.
Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.
Self explanatory. Just the sight of the
cover makes you wanna hurl.
Copyright © 2001 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights
reserved.
