REVIEW: LMD, APRIL 2006You didn’t really see them take to the stage or start, but after a short time you were aware there was something very good and very musical happening. Your foot tapped, your head nodded and you cut off the conversation with your mate to devote your entire attention to the ride you were about to be taken on. The funky drums and intensely solid groove of the bass guitar provided the fuel for the rest of the band to float on the top of this beautiful yet dark journey. The understated, almost tired performance of frontman and guitarist Dominic James might seem insulting but I feel he would appreciate that recognition. Finnie was lost in his own world enhancing the tranquil chime of James guitar with his own personal touch. Tim Dyer huched over the keyboards adding to the ethereal and sometime haunting tunes. Lounge and elevator, however, would be an insulting description of their tunes as the driven energy of their music surpasses any background easy listening. The band are atmospheric in a way they take you out of the atmosphere on a relaxed lazy rocket ride of groove and jazz. With an element of the Roses or latter day Radiohead it might get you close to their sound but not close enough.It is not up to the band to show they are an individual and unique collaboration but for you to go and watch them, take your time to let it wash over, and you will understand what they are all about.
REVIEW, MARCH 2006Graystar’s five singles from last year are collected on one disc here. Opener “Freaks”, a new song, is carried on drums that roll like a lazy but irresistible river, replete with mellifluous piano and sweeping sentiments. This is cut from much the same cloth as early “Lost Souls”-era Doves; epic all right, but not yet fully realised, in search of something bigger still. “Life Support” and “Satellites” have already been covered here and, while they continue the stargazing vibe with a few more effects bunged on, they’re still on the ground with a telescope rather than in orbit, where you sense they want to be. Graystar only start to flap their wings when they fully indulge their love of MOR. “Free” is a certified thing of beauty, a gentle piano ballad with a divine melody that eventually sprawls into territory reminiscent of the coda to “Layla” and even, gadzooks, “Nobody Does it Better”. Meanwhile “Cry No More”, the oldest song here, is pure Al Stewart, of 70s “Year of the Cat” legend. While that piano is sometimes so darn mellow that you expect them to break into “Easy like Sunday Morning” or “Road to Hell”. All the while there’s no hint of cheese, no knowing wink, just honest passion. The generous and uplifting “Free” and “Cry No More” are the clearest indicators that they might one day make their own “Last Broadcast”.