In attending Honeysuckle’s album release show last evening I was reminded of the other, more rock oriented project that Benjamin Burns and Chris “Gooch” Bloniarz are a part of, Grey Season. Upon doing so I had two surprises, one good and one bad. First the bad…the band is going on hiatus after the release of their upcoming “farewell” record titled “Out of the House, Into the Night”. The second, better surprise is that while I am borderline envious of Burns’ ability to keep perfect time on a kick drum while singing and playing various instruments, I had no idea he was such a fantastic drummer.
The band currently has the first track from that release up and streaming on their bandcamp page. Ian Jones takes the lead vocal on the new tune and he has that Conor Oberst style intimacy and delicate feel to his voice. The kind that makes you feel like you are hearing something you shouldn’t, a person letting you view their inner emotions for a quick glimpse. Sure, its somewhat delicate, but somehow manages to be the icing on top of full and electric arrangements and stand out.
The first track off the new record is gilded with soaring rock riffs and intricate dancing of the mandolin (through the necessary effects pedal chain, of course). I am kicking myself for not getting into this band sooner. It seems unfairly timely that I would stumble upon a great band as they make their exit. The band has that catchy sing along feel in some ways. A pleasant pop manner to the vocal harmonies while maintaining this atmosphere, this wonderful wonderful atmosphere that draws you in, with their music…and they f*cking rock.
You can catch them at their farewell show at Great Scott on April 6. Tickets are available HERE. For now, stream this track a couple hundred times. So good.
(photo by Bianca Mauro)