[NoHo Arts District, CA] – A NoHo Arts music review of Idiot Grins new album release Hounds of Mess Around.
With a gorgeous energetic live feel, Idiot Grins’ latest release, Hounds of Mess Around, is a vivid window into their repertoire of soul, rock and R&B fusion. A California band from Oakland, their sound is a rich homage to the smoky soul bands we still can’t resist.
I’m from the UK, so we would call this Northern Soul, at least that’s the familiar connection for me. Songs about life, struggles, money, work, love, family…the sweet and not-so-sweet sides of life. All told in melodic harmonies and gritty soul drums and lots of lovely clavinet all twangy and kitschy.
This music is pure soul storytelling. Sure there’s a little reggae, a little rock, even a little country, but it’s all still classic soul, so anchored in the rhythm and the vocals and the structure of these brilliant songs full of the echo of my youth.
This sound really reminds me of Elvis Costello…one of my favs. The keys are a bit Steve Nieve-y and the subtle tilt toward a country twang, with a dusting of punk very reminiscent,.But Idiot Grins have their own sound. Their songs crafted with the kind of care and purpose as iconic bands like World Party and Crowded House. I seem to be dating myself a little with these references, but Idiot Grins’ sound just brings me right back to the music of my favourite bands. The occasional brass, the beautiful vocal harmonies and the storytelling…just excellent!
With all the lovely songs on this brilliant album, it’s hard to pick one, but I do love Ded Zep probably the most. Maybe it’s the imagery, maybe it’s the melancholy, maybe it’s the saxophone? I just can see them playing in some sticky pub stage late at night…loved it!!!
Musician:
Evan Eustis – Bass, mandolin, backing and lead vocals
Michael Conner – keyboards, strings, clavinet and synths
John Hansen – lead vocals and backing vocals
Michael Melgoza – drums
Randy Strauss guitars
Producer Name(s): Randy Strauss and Andrew Smars
Genre(s): soul, r&b, alt-country
Socials:
Official Website: Idiotgrins.com
Artist Contact Email: res1esq@aol.com