2009, self-released
Serving as a shining example that music can be "common ground" to a group of individuals no matter the time or place, The Radio Grifters wrote and recorded In a Poolside Cubicle while working in South Korea in 2009. The band - American Bryan Ray (Guitars and Vocals) and Canadians Mike Gallant (Bass) and Matteo Cianni (Drums and Percussion) - built a strong following in the eclectic Cheongju music scene with their hard driving rock songs and grooving ballads. Despite being the trio's first studio album, each individual's musical background is well displayed via Bryan's bluesy riffs, Mike's funky bass, or Matteo's driving rhythms. The introspective lyrics on In a Poolside Cubicle are a reflection of their globe trekking, distance from home, and the women we would travel half way around the world to be with, allowing the listener to be a part of the experience the entire time.
Songs on the album range from good old-fashioned blues-rock jams on "The Mule" and "My Automobile" a la John Mayer Trio to modern day jazz-influenced Ray LaMontagne folk-rock on "Same Old Crowd" while showing even more range on "Zen Cowboy." The journey on the latter songs of the album reflect the times and trials of being a twenty-something, looking for your place in the world.
Songs on the album range from good old-fashioned blues-rock jams on "The Mule" and "My Automobile" a la John Mayer Trio to modern day jazz-influenced Ray LaMontagne folk-rock on "Same Old Crowd" while showing even more range on "Zen Cowboy." The journey on the latter songs of the album reflect the times and trials of being a twenty-something, looking for your place in the world.
Tracklisting
Disc 1
| 1 | Intro |
| 2 | Common Ground |
| 3 | Mule |
| 4 | My Automobile |
| 5 | Same Old Crowd |
| 6 | Zen Cowboy |
| 7 | I Tried To Warn You |
| 8 | Letter In the Sand |
| 9 | Needless |
Customer Reviews
2 reviews
A BA friend recommended this CD to me. I was hooked from the first song. These are really talented young musicians, with pretty impressive licks and a wide range of moods, the latter often blended fetchingly within the same song. I was reminded of System of a Down in the pieces that alternate between intensely driving, thrashing guitar and lighter, lyrical sounds (although The Radio Grifters aren't nearly as political). At other times the group sounds like a blend of The Hendrix Experience and Stevie Ray Vaughn. But there are lots of sounds on this CD that are really distinctive. You know you're listening to the real deal, guys who know how to write, love to play, and who are developing music that takes the listener to places old and new, a joyful trip from first to last track.
Each member of the band has talent, and they play well together. Bryan Ray is a fine young guitarist, a writer of very cool songs, and he has a compelling voice.
An excellent first album! I'm anxious to hear their next!
Each member of the band has talent, and they play well together. Bryan Ray is a fine young guitarist, a writer of very cool songs, and he has a compelling voice.
An excellent first album! I'm anxious to hear their next!
Greg Zimet"In a Poolside Cubicle" is a musically, lyrically, and rhythmically creative and varied albumn. The Radio Grifters are a tremendously skilled group and not easily pigeon-holed. "The Mule" is a hard-rocking song with a great hook. Other songs, like "My Automobile", have a great bluesy feel, with great lines such as, "Cause baby, you know my automobile won't start ... it's cause I ain't got you." These musicians are so talented and do such interesting things musically (check out "Common Ground" or "Zen Cowboy") that it's easy to listen to this albumn over and over and over. Well done you guys!