NOTIZIE PRINCIPALI
It is the marriage of these ideals that drives Greater Grey, an Orlando band that exists first and foremost to create music that is at once catchy, emotional and thought provoking.
"That's what it's all about to me," says singer/guitarist Jeffrey Billman, who co-founded the group with guitarist Brad Floyd in October 2002. "That first moment when a song comes together and gels, and the room seems to have an energy all its own, because you know you've created something unique and special."
That creation is evident on the band's forthcoming, debut CD, produced by Brett Hestla and Justin Thomas at Gridlock Studios. From the dissonant "Belong," to the epic, string-filled "Halfway," to the pop charm of "Web" and the sad, longing "The Best Thing," the band swells and contracts with sweeping harmonies, crunching guitars and driving rhythms.
The band's freshman year wasn't easy. There were a number of personnel changes, including the tragic death of original drummer Bryan Cordoba. And though Greater Grey played all over Orlando - the Social, Backbooth, Will's Pub, Slingapours, the Fringe Festival - cut a 5-song EP and toured the New England area in July, 2003, the lineup wasn't complete until drummer Johnny Vargas joined the band, which also features Greg Pleger on guitar and Eric Palkovic on bass, in November.
"John added so much energy," Billman says. "We felt like a whole new band. Live, we were better than ever. We were writing new songs, as a collective, and we were all very proud of them."
That is, after all, what Greater Grey is all about.
Brad Floyd Mr. 21 ottobre 2004 09:44