Search - Gruvis Malt :: With the Spirit of a Traffic Jam

Brilliant, really

Justin Sowa | Massachusetts | 10/03/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Gruvis Malt has come a really long way since Sound Soldiers. On that, their first widely distributed album, you could hear all the different genres fighting for space; one track was jazz, one was funk, one was hip-hop, one was rock. Things have changed in the 2 years between albums, with the three song EP "Backout Smiling" hinting as what was in store. "With the Spirit of a Traffic Jam" is Gruvis Malt's true breakout record, and finally reveals exactly what the band is capable of. The amalgamation of styles has managed to gel itself into sound that is completely unique, and, unfortunately, inaccessible to most. "Traffic Jam" is many things; easy to listen to is not one of them. It is not a CD for casual listening, but was designed, in the band's words, to be "the ultimate headphones album." It takes a few listens for the sonic bombardment to settle into recognizable songs, and in many cases, "songs" are hard to discern. Rarely does Gruvis Malt use a standard verse, chorus pattern, and determining exactly WHAT the chorus is can be almost impossible. Case in point, "Agression then Silence" (divided into two tracks) which starts as an 11/8 percussion groove, building in intensity through the first set of lyrics into a climax which quickly softens into what can only be described as the first bridge, suitably tipped off which the lyric "a quiet moment, covered up with eyelids." From here, the song goes into a violin solo, of all things, which is joined by sax, cascading straight THROUGH a key change back into the dissonant earlier progression. At the end of the first track of the song, going into the second ("Then Silence"), we settle into a solid 4/4 funk groove with a legitimately JAZZY (not Steely Dan "jazzy") background line carried by sax and keyboard through a thorough lyrical assault, lambasting the record industry and musical community of Providence, among other things. A final surge leads us through what I suppose you might call the chorus several times to the end. "Aggression then Silence" is the band's opus, and stands as indicative of "With the Spirit of a Traffic Jam"; unexpected, innovative, and completely unlike anything else in the sense that these musicians actually have TALENT. Highly recommended listening for other musicians, jazz fans, and open-minded music listeners. Also, Gruvis Malt puts on an amazing live show that should be seen if at all possible.PS - In response to a couple of the other reviews... rap metal?"

Don't Buy it From Here!!!!

M. A. Gilbert | Chicago, IL | 12/21/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Please do this band a favor and buy it from their website:



www.gruvismalt.com



The record label Lakeshore Records hasn't been paying the band for the purchases of this disc for over 2 years now.



These guys are really excellent musicians. This disc has a real "urban" feel to it. Kind of like the name. Not really an "adult" disc but then again not about highschool either.

It really hard to focus on these guys and say they belong somewhere. There are so many influences present that its amazing to see that it can be pulled off.



This album will take you somewhere definitely. Its old (2002) but is a forever classic. Timeless. Their genre fits most with established doctors and lawyers cheating on their wives.



www.gruvismalt.com



There is no cd here but their 2005 release is available from their website and it far exceeds any of their previous works.



www.gruvismalt.com"

Another great one from these guys

Adam A. Bowers | Dunedin, Florida USA | 04/10/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"i just got it and its really good. the only reason i didnt give it five stars is because it has some songs that were on older cds (and i liked those versions better), and it rarely went into this rap metal thing, which i cant stand. but theyre unbelievable and original, everyone should check them out."