Lead guitarist Kristin Pinell offers this thought; “Songs are timepieces not only for the listener but also for the people who create them” This philosophy is the backbone of what the Grip Weeds have to offer the listener. Their musical explorations can be described as a ménage of crafty melodic pop, swirling psychedelia and faultless harmonies.
Fueled by the writing genius of brothers Kurt and Rick Reil, The Grip Weeds songs are super charged by the interpretive talents of Kristin Pinell (lead guitar) and bassist Dennis Ambrose. Kristin, sounding curiously Clapton-esque, weaves gorgeous leads through the band's perfect pop and is easily one of the best lead guitar players in contemporary music today.
Kurt Reil – vocals, drums ? Rick Reil – guitar, vocals
Michael Kelly – vocals, bass ? Kristen Pinell - vocals, guitar
As the cover of their newest disc Giant on the Beach illustrates, the Grip Weeds have let the “genie out of the bottle”, conjuring up their most compelling work to date; thirteen self-penned songs that are at once powerful, mystical, beautiful and original. Giant on the Beach, their fourth album, is a giant step forward for the Grip Weeds, and lifts their multilayered psychedelic pop-rock to new heights.
Together the Grip Weeds take elements like the harmonic purity and psychedelic spirit of ‘60s rock and the visceral power of the classic early ‘70s into the modern era, while also imparting to their music a unique vision and unmistakable stamp. Giant on the Beach recalls some of the great bands of the past (Beatles, Byrds, Who), yet is infused with a modern edginess that you might hear in Matthew Sweet, Cold Play, or the White Strips. Their songs are as full of inspired ingenuity as you’ll find in any latter-day Beatles or XTC recording, but still manage to rock.
Giant on the Beach is the Grip Weeds’ harmonic convergence: From writing, recording and producing the entire album themselves in their own studio (House of Vibes), to conceptualizing and designing the lavish album artwork, they take the DIY ethic to a whole new level. The CD also features a weblink to exclusive content with interviews and bonus material, tucked away on a “secret website” accessible only to those who buy the disc. And with the promise of dynamic lives shows in the US, Canada and abroad…what else could you wish for?
Discography
The Sound Is In You (RQ 2003, Ground Up)
Summer of a thousand Years (RQ 2001)
House of Vibes (Ground Up)
