Yeah, I know the question. What the hell is a Gronk? Well the short answer is this band named after an obscure comic book villain. The long answer is there is a bunch of other references to the word “Gronk” across the wiki-verse. But for our purposes, it’s an Aussie band that clings to the geeky, quirky and melodic. Opening with “Dirt” that resemble a Devo meets Ween guitar antics and a simple beat. There are bits of Pink Floyd and Midnight Oil you’ll hear on “Tribeca” and it’s pretty catchy too. The album’s songs all have the harmonies and hooks that power pop fans will cling too. “Touch the Sun” is a cleaner Guided By Voices-like track that hums along in an 80’s like fashion. And “Pot O Gold” has a shimmering dreamy quality that evokes great 60’s psyche pop like The Move and The Nazz. My favorite song here is “Robot” which references The Ramones, GBV and has a solid hook full of great effects. The very XTC like “Suicide and Fine Wine” is a welcome surprise here. In addition, a sweet Beatlesque “la-la” chorus finds it’s way on “Birds Buzzin.” Another band to use for comparison here is The Lucky Bishops with less guitar fuzziness and more “Gronkiness.” Most songs here shine (other than the snoozer “Language”) and worthy of your ipod playlist. Get it and may the Gronk be with you.
My Space | Foghorn Records | Not Lame
Listen to “”Dirt and Worms”