Listen to two tracks from the new EP:
I Disappear (mp3)
Dead People (mp3)
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REVIEW: 'A Million Pieces' Graystar CD
Sometimes I feel that there is too much music. I could spend all year on myspace.com and still not hear and see all the tracks and videos that are available. There are thousands of new bands and it is hard to keep up with what is happening. As many of the new bands have little to offer, it is a privelege to come acress a band which looks good, plays well and performs highly original songs. Such a band is the Edinburgh-based Graystar, although they are making Liverpool their second home as they have played at the Cavern three times this year and also performed live on BBC Radio Merseyside.All the songs on 'A Million Pieces' are written by the lead singer Dominic James. Each of them works in its own right and they combine to give the CD and idyllic, coherent feel. 'A Million Pieces' is no quickie album as the tracks have been recorded over the past four years. Graystar have been gathering attention for their work as one of the best unsigned bands in Scotland and also making the indie charts. Although the band is highly original, it is a joy to pick up on their many references. It is surely no coincidence that the opening words of the album 'How does it feel?' echo Bob Dylan's most famous song 'Like a Rolling Stone'. The whimsical feel of 'Satellites' reminds of the Beach Boyss aroung the time they recorded 'Holland'. The opening notes on 'Free' are a reference to 'Imagine' and there is something about the softer side of Neil Young about the track.
The arrangements are spot on as is the production from Dominic and Rick Scott. 'Cry No More' is my favourite as I love the way that the different parts, especially Neil Hartley's drums enhance what is already a very sensitive song. All the band shine on the album, but they know that they are working to the greater good. Graystar know what they are doing and 'A Million Pieces' is a wonderfully soothing and evocative album. I was going to write that Graystar have no gimmicks but maybe they have. The gimmick is the band performs excellent songs that are well sung and well played, how many other bands do that?