The Grape and the Grain will release their latest addition to their exploration of rock n’ roll, Holy Rollin’, on Oct. 28. The Grape and the Grain is dedicated to making stone cold rock; their sound mirrors Guns N’ Roses meets AC/DC with a bit of Black Sabbath. Daniel Grimsland, Daniel Marc, and MO Kelly alone take on vocals, various guitars, synths, piano, and percussion.
Holy Rollin’ kicks off with a psychedelic jam track “Anything/Everything.” This song features a wailing guitar, steady bass line and raspy, strained vocals. “Maybe I’m Crazy” brings in a classic rock bluesy feel with steady vocals walking the listener through a story that the persistent guitar echoes. The song evolves into an abbreviated percussive breakdown that is followed by a soulful guitar solo.
“Fountain” has a tricky beginning; it starts slowly and quietly and we think the sound is about to break from the tenacious rock. Only The Grape and the Grain would never let that happen. Grimsland projects his vocals with an element of religiosity and the arrangement seconds that.
“Holy Rollin’” hits us with some grit and groove. This song has elements of Jane’s Addiction, from the sliding vocals to the slightly psych guitar.
“There Were No Saints To Save Us” gives us more blues. With a twisted distortion on Grimsland’s vocals and a sporadic arrangement, Kelly’s percussion gives this hectic ditty some legs to stand on.
The Grape and the Grain has an element of tame progressive rock. This album is worth a listen for when you’re missing classic ‘80s rock but need something with a new twist.