Grails (band)

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Grails is an American rock band from Portland , Oregon . Their music is instrumental and styles such as post-rock , psychedelic and drone - Metal assigned.

biography

prehistory

Grails emerged from the band Laurel Canyon , which was formed in the late 1990s and was founded as a live act by guitarist Alex John Hall. Drummer Emil Amos (also known by his solo project "Holy Sons") and the second guitarist Paul Spitz were there. Following positive audience reactions, local musicians Timothy Horner ( violin ) and Bill Slater ( piano / bass ) were invited to the studio to record their first mini-album. After the band had released two EPs under their own label in 2000 and 2001, Paul Spitz left the United States. His successor Zak Riles made a decisive contribution to the soundscape of the extensive soundscapes with his electric and acoustic guitar parts , in which influences from Stoner Rock alternated with Celtic or Asian style elements. In 2002, Hall sent a promotional CD for the Neurot Recordings label , whose operator Steve von Till (from the band Neurosis ) signed the group.

Style development

Shortly before the release of their first long player "The Burden of Hope" (2003) the band changed their name to "Grails". Despite this reference to the Grail myth , the band concept is not based on any recognizable mythological superstructure. In addition to hinted at mythical aspects, allusions to genre film aesthetics from the 60s and 70s are among the recurring motifs in the cover artwork and in song titles. The second work “Red Light”, which stylistically linked to its predecessor, was also published by Neurot for a year. A short time later, the British record company Southern Records invited the band to their London studio to reinterpret some of the classics of psychedelic rock . Cover versions of Gong , The Byrds , and Flower Travellin 'Band are said to have been made on the tour bus, according to the anecdote. The style of the band became more and more varied over time, as all members are involved in the compositions, which then bear their respective signature.

The 'Black Tar Prophecies' series is often referred to as a highlight of Grails' work. Part I was still released as a split release with the related band Red Sparowes , followed by a sequel exclusively contested by the Grails. Part III came on CD and contained new material in addition to pieces from the two LPs. At the end of this phase, violinist Timothy Horner surprisingly left the band, which from then on only consisted of four permanent members. At concerts, the core lineup is supported by guest musicians such as Randall Dunn and Dave Abramson, so that drummer Emil Amos can switch from piece to piece between drums and guitar. In 2007 Grails released their third album "Burning off Impurities" on the New York post-rock label Temporary Residence , and in 2008 two more long players called "Take Refuge in Clean Living" Important Records and "Doomsdayer's Holyday (Temporary Residence). The 2009 DVD "Acid Rain" sums up this creative period and contains video clips, a New York live performance from 2007 and some older recordings, as well as other 'Black Tar Prophecies' (4-6) on vinyl or as a compiled CD on the market.

Other Projects

The individual band members are also involved in other musical projects. Hall has guitar with Steve Von Till's project Harvestman played, Amos played alongside his own Holy Sons project drums for Jandek for Yellow Swans and for some years as a permanent member of OM . Riles is the second live guitarist for M. Ward .

Discography

Albums

  • The Burden of Hope (2003; Neurot Recordings )
  • Redlight (2006; Neurot Recordings)
  • Burning Off Impurities (2007; Temporary Residence Limited )
  • Take Refuge in Clean Living (2008; Important Records )
  • Doomsdayer's Holiday (2008; Temporary Residence Limited)
  • Deep Politics (2011 Temporary Residence Limited)
  • Black Tar Prophecies Vol. 5 (2012; Kemado Records )
  • Chalice Hymnal (2017)

Singles and EPs

  • Interpretations of Three Psychedelic Rock Songs from Around the World (2005; Latitudes)
  • Black Tar Prophecies Vol. I (2006; Robotic Empire)
  • Black Tar Prophecies Vol. 2 (2006; Aurora Borealis)
  • Black Tar Prophecies Vol. 4 (2010; Important Records)

Compilations

  • Black Tar Prophecies Vols. 1, 2 and 3 (2006; Important Records)
  • The Burden Of Hope / Redlight (2006; Robotic Empire)
  • Black Tar Prophecies Vols. 4, 5 and 6 (2013; Temporary Residence Limited)

Videos

  • Acid Rain (2009; Temporary Residence Limited)

Web links