Derek Grant “Breakdown” Album Review
“I think I need a holiday, I think I need a breakdown,” cries out Derek Grant on the opening track ‘Holiday Breakdown’ off of his new solo album, Breakdown. Boy, don’t we all? This album features eight tracks laden with acoustic melodies and soft rock elements providing a look into the Alkaline Trio drummer’s life. Out of such a rough time in his life, Grant began writing lyrics again, allowing for this LP to be created and distributed by Red Scare Industries.
TRACK LIST:
Holiday Breakdown
Waiting For The End Of The World
Got A Feeling
Turn And Walk Away
Lucy
Love Is A Bad Dream
Good Long Look
You Don’t Know
The sounds across this entire record are the most fascinating aspect of it. It is not purely acoustic, instead having other elements take over a certain song that give the track a unique character to stand out from it’s brethren. ‘Love Is A Bad Dream’ has sliding guitars to give the song more of an emotional feel as Grant unveils some of his more personal lyrics in light of the breakup he dealt with before writing. Even with that in mind the song is still upbeat and easy to listen too. ‘Waiting For The End Of The World’ is more of an alt-punk track with the distorted and fuzzy guitar progressions seeping in with pianos and a drum line.
‘Got A Feeling’ is probably my favorite track from the eight tracks. The winding plucked notes swirl around the pulsing bass and echoing snare hits. Grant’s vocal delivery is near a whisper, giving a more comforting and relaxing atmosphere to the four minute and thirty five second experience. While progressing pianos arpeggiate notes that are giving more dynamics to the already wonderfully complex track.
By the time this twenty three minute record is over, it feels like it was too fast. In reality it was but the replay button is calling me to make sure I found every crook and note that was layered into every song. ‘You Don’t Know’ closes Breakdown with a lot of pace. Derek Grant has defined his breakdown efficiently with this record.
About the Author
Denise Borders 39, Los Angeles. Denise founded PWV in 2008 and remains the primary manager and photographer/videographer. She is not secretly obsessed with Joey Cape.
Related Posts
PHOTOS: Anthony Raneri @ The Lodge Room (LA) →
Best of 2024: from Ricky Frankel →
PHOTOS: Mac Sabbath Celebrates 10 Years alongside Guttermouth and Angry Samoans →
