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There are a few hard and fast rules that I've discovered over my
many years of music listening;
· If it's a record released on Dischord Records, it's worth
owning.
· If Al Jourgenson is involved in the band, it's worth
a listen.
· If Kristen Hersh wrote it I'm going to love it.
· And finally (and pertinent to this review), if Steve Albini
played a part in the recording of an album, it will be challenging
but well worth a second and third listen.
Grandfather's debut release Why I'd Try proves the
Steve Albini rule. Recorded and mixed in Chicago with Albini in July
of 2010, Why I'd Try is a challenging, noisy record that rewards
multiple listens.
The hand-stamped white cardboard CD sleeve lends an air of mystery
and artiness to the package. Whether done out of DIY necessity or
to add another layer of artistic expression, I'm not sure but I
always award extra points for presentation.
Like an artier version of Helmet, or a less impressionistic
version of Sonic Youth, Grandfather meld experimental guitar
sounds, a crushing rhythm section, and droning vocals into an art-rock
success. Never noisy for the sake of self-indulgence and always precise,
Grandfather present a pummeling version of the signature loud-quite-loud
sound that Albini made famous with his work with Nirvana.
Making noise this big with only guitar, bass, drums is an art form
in itself. The ability to counterpoint all the racket with stark,
wide open soundscapes demonstrates a level of musicianship not often
found on a debut record.
-George Dow
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