Whatever type of sound Gravy is trying to perfect, they haven't found the right recipe yet.
Gravy's ingredients include vocalist Todd Schwartz, guitarist Micheal Rev, drummer Nikolaz Schuhbeck and bassist John Delev. The young indie band formed in New York City in 2000 is still searching for the right balance of pop punk and hard rock in their music, but its lovesick lyrics make the band more playable to the commercial audience.
One of Gravy's first singles, "Girlfriend," sums up the disorder present throughout the album's sound. "I got a guitar, but it popped a string / I got a drummer but he wants to sing / I got a bass-man, but he can't sit still / I got a girlfriend, and she makes me feel all right." This track introduces the band's debut full-length album, "Fourteen."
The band's Web site opens with the motto "We Make Rock Music" flashing across the screen. Although Gravy often holds true to this, the album tapers down into ballads of love songs that resemble more of the blues than rock songs. This same disparity shows in sections where vocalist Schwartz's limited range is forced to croon underdeveloped hooks that plod along.
Through the disharmony of their frantic yet reserved sound, the band still manages to shine. Their knack for catchy guitar riffs - ones that appropriately back up their motto - have enough draw to carry some songs past the choppy bridges and poorly placed sing along choruses.
"Anatomy" and "Always Remember You" feature old-school heavy metal riffs that pick up the slack from the mess of single power chords and Schwartz's low baritone distorting one another during the choruses. Breaks often stand out as well, as in "Love Song" and "New Home" which feature a interesting arrangements of harmonies and effects in their solos.
"Hollow Place" may be the strongest track on the album, balancing the quiet restraint of unrequited love and its sense of uplifting hope, as Schwartz displays his sense of empathy through his wail, "In this hollow place, I receive my faith / In this hollow place, I do remain." Hopefully, with time, Gravy can find their permanent place in the rock genre with a solid sound.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
