A year or two ago a friend released an album called ‘Play the Room’, so I was immediately drawn to this tune. The Grownup Noise is self proclaimed as “a rousing and innovative pop-music outfit, bridging the gap between americana and indie music. With a genuine respect for every style of music, this band and its songwriter Paul Hansen, are song obsessed.” With the diversity in their sounds and the dynamics of their music, I would agree with that sentiment.
Paul Hansen has a soft and easing vocal style. It slowly carries the tune along, but it sits very nicely on top of the band play out. The electric guitar rings out underneath with the drum beat troding along, every so often picking up the pace to match the mood and drive the song.
I kind of get a melancholy but underlining tones of slightly happier than melancholy feel. Grays and sepia tones, rainy skies and Sunday morning dark roast as rain falls against your window sill…I dig it. Like that 90s indie rock ala Weezer’s ‘Buddy Holly’ but slightly more subdued with interesting changes in the arrangements, smart and pensive.
The Grownup Noise is pretty big band as far as local acts around these parts go, but it doesn’t necessarily feel that way, the just feel comfortable. Like a well worn sweatshirt, ripped at the collar and perhaps a bit worn at the seams, but comfortable, familiar, and you keep revisiting it time and time again.
Check it for yourself…