Grand Volume

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Grand Volume are a unique proposition in the current musical climate, capable of knocking out two minute punk rock gems with consumate ease but equally comfortable venturing into more sophisticated prog-inspired territory. Of their peers only the Mars Volta and Queens of the Stone Age can match them for combining such musical dexterity with fiercely passionate intensity.

Tommy Sheals-Barrett (Vocals, Guitar), Dan Larke (Guitar, Vocals, Tech) and Jon Green (Drums, Vocals, Bass, Tech) have made a ferocious statement of intent with their debut album for Fat Northerner Records, the provocatively titled ‘Send Me Your Champion’.

Opening track ‘Summon’ throws down the gauntlet in typically thunderous fashion, transporting the listener to the dirty side of early 90’s Seattle before it’s apocalyptic wall of noise eventually subsides and the clear, unashamedly English vocals of frontman Tom Sheals-Barrett reveal that this is a band as in thrall to Radiohead as they are to Soundgarden. Recent single ‘History’ follows and highlights again what a versatile outfit Grand Volume are; as tenacious, disciplined and economical as Fugazi or Minor Threat, yet as musically adventurous and intelligent as Devo or Television.

‘Fire Come Soon’ is another fine distillation of Grand Volume’s prog meets punk philosophy - it’s bombastic fire and brimstone lyrics are consumed in a maelstrom of sub-pop inspired thrash, which occasionally gives way to a gentler, fx-laden, bass-driven groove that wouldn’t sound out of place on ‘OK Computer’.

Elsewhere on the album Grand Volume merge the quiet/loud dynamics of the Pixies and Nirvana with the grandiose, anthemic qualities of Muse and Placebo to devastating effect. Tracks such as ‘Sleepnot’ and ‘The Person You are Calling....’ could lull the average stadium-gig-goer into lighter waving contemplation before pummelling them senseless with the sort of ear splitting noise that even Mogwai would struggle to match.

The album closes with the beautiful ‘Departure Lounge’, a deeply introspective track that wouldn’t sound out of place on any of the 4AD labels austere 80’s gothic releases. The whole mood of the song emphasises again that Grand Volume are a band well-versed in the whole canon of alternative rock, stretching their sound far further than the majority of their contemporaries.

‘Send Me Your Champion’ is released by Fat Northerner on CD and download on 21st January 2008 and is essential listening for anyone with an ear for dynamically crafted heavy rock music.