GrandEvolution’s latest full length in a series of several releases shows their tremendous growth as musicians and songwriters. There is a lifted, lofty, and wide open feeling to all nine tracks on this Tell Me Why album. Vocals and instruments all travel gloriously forward with ease and momentum. Its greatest strength is its fine balance of prettiness and edge.
Opening number “Hey Drama Queen” oozes prettily out of the stereo speakers. Sarah Kenyon’s ethereal vocal just glide over the musical proceedings beneath her. Her voice graces a sonic landscape of floating guitar riffs and a tastefully played groove. Ray Celona’s lead guitar phrase simmers and shines like the best of the power ballad songs. All of the subtle nuances on this song come together with a tight aplomb.
“Ghost” too gets a boost from the qualities mentioned about the first track. Yet, there is even more to sink one’s teeth into. Former GrandEvolution member Mike Gendron’s lead guitar scorches in subtle nuanced releases, a siren that cries out the emotive theme of this song. Beneath his incisive line is nice knobby bass lines from guest musician Phil Soares and adept drum fills from Scott Kenyon.
“You’re Not Alone” begins with a great guitar tone inside of a flinty riff. The chord informs the listener this is going to be a serious, touching song. Kenyon emotes at the microphone with a bright, wide vocal that is instantly likable. The guitar burns forward with vigor and a hint of volatility. This one just comes together like a charm.
“Escape” takes many of the elements of a good rock power ballad, smoothes them out, and turns them into this gem. Kenyon’s vocal sails over a spider web of lead guitar beauty. Her rushing grace of voice is an untempo joyride as former member now guest musician Gendron’s lead guitar gruel makes a supplemental statement of equal power. Keyboard spikes and swirls from guest player Jon Patrick Brennan bring on an additional layer of fun but importantly supportive texture.
“Whisper” simmers its way into the listener’s consciousness by way of Celona’s team work with Gendron and Townson, all three delivering pretty, emotive lead guitar line. Kenyon’s vocals are lush, flowing, and reflective here. One can feel this song reaching one’s soft spot. The lead vocals are dreamy, other worldly, and the guitar work feels like something out of a sweet daydream. We can feel this song taking us somewhere special and the sense of movement it conjures is like a long, pleasant ride or flight.
“Destroy” is more a blistering guitar driven number. Band associate and guest musician Drew Townson lets loose with his more fierce lead guitar work. He lights a fire in a strong and effective contrast to Kenyon’s warm, lush lead vocal. His lead guitar erupts while Kenyon’s angelic vocal glide kicks in, and it’s a thing of beauty, a candle burning brightly at both ends.
“Wish You Well” rolls in with an adeptly managed down tempo groove and piano rhythm. One can feel that underpinning presence. It also gives Kenyon’s voice a palpable platform to travel over. She soars, as does the lead guitar flight of fancy that travels alongside her. This could be the radio hit for this album, though all tracks here are accessible.
“Hold On” is a song of hope, a tale told with sweet, well paced vocals and a tenderly delivered lead guitar line. This tune keeps climbing upward, steadily mounting a ladder to a higher ground. It’s as if the band is carrying the listener to a desired place of comfort and safety after a night riding through a storm. Kenyon’s vocal accomplishes much with each sustain, releasing a lot of emotions in her upward swoop.
Close out track, “Stranger,” a sweet electric piano ballad, finds Kenyon at her most beautiful level of vocal expression. The tune makes a powerful statement with sparse accompaniment. Each keyboard note beneath Kenyon’s voice is a sprightly presence in its own right, and the way she spreads out her vocal without losing range, tone, and timbre leaves a real treat for the ears.
GrandEvolution make a strong musical statement with this Tell Me Why album. Recorded at IAmSpyder Studios and co-produced by Chris David, the disc has a nicely polished shine. Vocals glide. Guitars soar. The grooves have muscle. The band has risen to an even higher level of artistic expression than found on their previous fine recordings. Let us all sit back and watch as this disc gains them a wider audience and a higher visibility.
