In A Vigil State
Secret Candy Rock, 2020
8/10
The Boston based rockers The Grand Undoing make quite an impression with this 4th album, where their formula of power-pop, punk, prog and psychedelia is packed with plenty of hooks and beats for the lively listen.
“Into The Glitter” opens the listen with no lack of warm, dreamy melody as Dave Westner’s playful bass and Andy Plaisted’s precise drumming adds much power to the equation, and “A Little Piece Of Ground” follows with energetic keys alongside Ted Powers’ soulful backing vocals as they touch on retro-rock ideas.
In the middle, “Wave” recruits Dana Colley’s well timed saxophone into the adventurous rocker, while “Darkness” benefits from B.J. Cole’s pedal steel amid the rootsy flavor. “Sunsetter”, one of the album’s best, then showcases Chris Coughlin’s meticulous keys as the thumping rocker emits both grit and tunefulness.
Arriving near the end, “Step In” is full of hooky pop fun that you can’t not enjoy, and “Giving All My Things Away” finishes with hypnotic bass lines that are met with spirited guitar and a hazy, psyche-filled fade out.
Spearheaded by Seth Goodman, who handles vocals, guitars and songwriting, there’s a rotating cast of players present, which keeps the diversity consistent as The Grand Undoing deliver an exciting rock’n’roll journey that we should all be present on.
Travels well with: Cary Heuchert- Hourglass; Meer- Playing House