Ready for something different? Good, me too. Let me introduce you to the sound of The Grunions, a pioneering instrumental surf-jazz/spy-core fusion band from Montreal, Canada. I have no clue what spy-core is, but judging by the sound of The Grunions, I like it! The band tells me their sound is heavily influenced by the classic reverb-drenched surf-rock sounds of the Sixties, and they ain’t lying.
These funky Canadians (Oh, Canada!) are set to release an ambitious yet accessible new sophomore album, Shadow Breaker, on August 30 that showcases their compositional prowess and studio savvy. Their debut LP, Star Fish Prime, was a flying karate kick to the solar plexus of Sixties-inspired spy-core sound. Now with Shadow Breaker, they bring filthier grooves, grander orchestrations, and bari-tonier saxes, as they told me. The album is a “slow cosmic burn on the fondue pot that is progressive fusion.”
The Grunions play an exclusively instrumental style of music that draws from Sixties spy film themes, classic surf rock, early prog, and even some jazz and experimental music. On Shadow Breaker, the guest musicians flesh out this kaleidoscope of sound with touches of French horn, trumpet, trombone, bassoon, bass clarinet, and flute. There’s a little something for everyone.
The sounds on Shadow Breaker shift on a dime from acid jazz to art rock. “Pink Manta” melds funk grooves, heavy guitar riffs, and big-band-style horns. “Aphelion” features a fuzzed-out bass solo that takes the listener on a symphonic carpet ride. Then there’s “Magnet Head,” which reimagines psychedelic R&B with searing dual-guitar licks and electronic percussion.
The title track, “Shadow Breaker,” has a classic surf-jazz feel with a doomy twist. Capping off the album is “Ophiuchus Spector,” a suite with a drum feature that will propel you through the disparate points in spacetime and make you feel like Stephen Hawking smoking a bowl.
This album is a total freak-fest in the best way possible, an intergalactic groove and dance party that may attract aliens to your residence (so lock your doors). Go back and listen to The Grunions’ debut album, Star Fish Prime, to gear yourself up for this new offering. And keep your eyes peeled for the release of Shadow Breaker on August 30th. Fans of modern instrumental surf rock should dig this one, but honestly, it’s hard to put The Grunions in a box. This is music you have to listen to and experience for yourself.
Support The Grunions by finding them on Bandcamp or social media (Instagram, Facebook).
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