Customer Reviews

Give It Love

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I put this record on while I'm cooking- it instantly relaxes me.. Each well crafted song has it's own mood with lyrics that are thoughtful and express a sort of longing. At times even haunting, slightly reminiscent of Elliot Smith but not as depressing - instead contemplative and truthful. (I am big on lyrics that don't just sound like filler for the music but have some substance.)
The arrangements have a Beatles-y style, which is always a good thing. They rock, they chug, they chill. The band as a whole is cohesive and very tight, and you get the feeling there are is a lot of great collaborating in the studio. The background vocals give me goose bumps - these guys sound so good together. Grey Race has the heart of band, with the soul of a singer-songwriter.

p.s. There's an awesome video of "the Johnsons" out there too.

"Give It Love" is a stunning debut from a band that takes musical cues from the Beatles, Elliot Smith, and Radiohead, without mimicking any of them. Almost like a "deeper" Coldplay. Fans of melodic pop that leans towards the melancholy and dark with very rich but subtle orchestrations will be overjoyed. Strongly recommend this underground gem to any potential buyers. I have seen them live twice and they are the real deal.

This is one of the most complete albums iv'e head in quite sometime. All the tunes are wonderfully arranged and orchestrated. The songs themselves are full of moving melodies and great lyrics. From beggining to the end i never find myself loosing interest. It's a real "album" that people don't seem to make anymore. I found them through an amazing review in Paste Magazine, and i couldnt agree more. You wont be dissapointed.

Excellent sound, great production and thoughtful, poetic lyrics. Couldn't say more good things about this album, other than to recommend that you buy it if you like good stuff. One of my favorite albums this year, by far.

I'm not sure what cd I bought, but they also put this in it- in just a paper sleave. I dont know the names of the songs, but this is great stuff. Im positive i dont play the cd I bought anywhere close to as much as I play this.
Kinda like the new century psycedelic furs. I love it.

I rarely review albums because quite frankly there are hardly any solid albums released that deserve my attention and intrigue me enough to do so. I've lived with `Give it Love' for a few months and can whole-heartedly state, we have a winner folks! Jon Darling is a triple threat - guitarist, sweet vocalist and acerbic lyricist (here is the ultimate compliment), reminiscent of the great Elliott Smith. Best tracks are Straight for the Middle, From Me to You, On the Chin, Goodbye to You, Try Not to Think and the most Elliott Smith laden, Jumping In. Even though I've mentioned specific tracks, there really isn't a weak one in the lot, so you may as well buy the whole album. The Grey Race is going on tour with Teddy Thompson on June 5th 2008, hopefully in a town near you, so don't take my word for it and go check them out for yourself. This is undeniably superior music.

Great record, Love the melodies and lyrics. Especially Cracks, Try Not To Think and Jumping In. Jon Darling's voice is haunting yet strangely beautiful. This album gets better with each listening. Can't wait to hear them live. Come to Chicago soon!

Rocking and soothing in equal measure, this music offers a lusciousness and scope that belies its Brooklyn bedroom origins. Great lyrics, great melodies, and some of the most amazing harmonic twists and turns I've heard. Quite a feat to make something that is so expansive yet so organic. These guys have created something very inspiring. Highly recommended for people who like things that are good.

The singer-writer is Jon Darling, an ex NZ fellow who grew up with Cure, though it doesn't show. Darling, the bass player and drummer are all journeymen, and together with Darling's sister (and others) helping out, they have a pretty solid set of music here. It's all pleasant ballad rock, with quality hooks, though nothing really spectacular, and Darling's smooth mid-range voice. Studio fills include keyboards and strings. Unfortunately some of it borders on lounge at times ("Cracks"), and there isn't a real hit song, it's best as a background wash. With others doing similar things, but with much more thrilling melodies (CVS, Steven Lindsay and Ryan Ferguson for example), that makes this CD pleasant, but not essential. Oh well, at least they all have other jobs.