Rock 'n' roll band SALT has released The Greenman and the album starts out strong and makes no apologizes for their hard hitting yet fun and original rock sound. The sound is an upbeat and fun take on rock music with a dance feel. They layer instruments in a way that feels like a seamless combination of pop/rock and dance music coming together.
SALT was formed back in 2010 and features the musical talents of Brett, Mike and Rachel. The group has that early band formation sound but they all bring different musical talents that help to shape their musical sound. It is clear that the band is still coming together and feeling each other out but that means that this sound will only grow and mature as the band keeps playing together.
The Greenman is not heavily produced and feels more organic, like a jam session in a garage or basement. "Going To The Moon" opens up the album and it does draw comparisons to that of the Foo Fighters instrumentally or lyrical to the Red Hot Chili Peppers but the band is adding in elements of their own. They are willing to experiment and try different things in order to make their sound feel new and original, not another recycled rock sound.
The entire EP does have an element of surprise which keeps the listener guessing. They turn left with their music when you think they are going to turn right and it is fun to see how off the wall and creative they get with their musical choices. Why not take the time to explore and try new things when working on an EP and coming together as a band? When they finally find their right notes on songs like "Mad Situation" and "Crossing The Highway" the experiment pays off.
Overall, this album needs improves and refinements it does feel too garage produced instead of studio quality but it is clear that SALT has talent and will develop their sound more as they go along and get comfortable as a group.