There’s a real sense of cathartic musical independence here via this latest work from Calgary, AB (CAN) based musical project Miss Grizzly. While everything here on this latest self-titled 5 track musical teaser is shall I say exceptionally entertaining it also manages to cover a pretty wide range of musical styles as well. This is their debut release to date (2013).
When you listen to the music of Miss Grizzly you know the future of melodic alt-hard-rock shines blindingly bright down under. It’s easy to hear possible influences of Joseph Arthur, Beach House, MGMT Wilco, Nirvana, Mr. Bungle and Days of the New in their music, but the real magic is how this guy blends all these ingredients into a musical recipe that is the vintage Miss Grizzly signature sound. The band: Marshal Jaeger, Nathan Clark, Emmanuel Ly, Clemens Beck encompass the rich history of Hard Rock but also Americana Alt-Roots, then broadens and reshapes it into something somewhat youthful, reckless and out of control and slightly adrenalized. All this and more make Miss Grizzly a refreshing and uniquely brilliant act from up north. A few tracks notably stand out for me in particular. “3AM” and “Go” are 2 very strong tracks that deliver pure grooved magic and impressive writers touch. These two movements are not so polarizing to each other and show a lot of depth from Jaeger and the gang. Much of this 5 track EP present straight forward Alternative Rock that is like I said before – a bit out of control and some songs with a slightly adrenalized overtones like the lead off track “3AM”. Despite this somehow the music has a more of an organic late 90’s feel as the album hits the deck running. Jaeger is definitely a modern example of classic psychedelic-alternative electro rockpopular in the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s. I can hear acts like Y&T, Stone Temple Pilots, and Dog Fashion Disco. But I can also hear an underlying life’s passion theme.
I suspect many of the previously mentioned bands have had an influence. The musicianship from guitarist Beck is shall I say, off the chain. The vocal front from Jaeger is equally as gravitating. He reminds me a lot of Michael Patton (Faith no More) and Michael Stipe (R.E.M) of some serious Steroids. Another highlight for me is “Find a Way” which exemplifies the MG sound to a T. It’s got plenty of cool guitars riffing, bass playing that sits deep in the pocket but above all it shows just how far Jaeger will masterfully navigate with sheer precision lyrically through this simplistic yet amazing writing style. Jaeger and the gang demonstrate their individual musical talents and abilities as well without being to over the top about it. This is hard to do then it sounds. Some bands come across as being to simplistic.
So are you thinking what I’m thinking? Somehow all the above is not compatible with the superficial musical times we live in? Miss Grizzly is well-suited for a wide audiences that enjoys frenzious Alternative Rock with a poetic-mysterious flair, amazing writing and a grand slam live show. There are even elements of Rock and Indie College Rock here as well. Expect great things from Miss Grizzly as their fanbase explodes past Calgary this Summer. I believe there’s a detached and disgruntled audience just waiting for them to arrive. Bring on some new music guys!
4/5 Stars
Score: 4/5 stars
Adam Abel edited by Janne Zawa.
Review comments: jannezawa@gmail.com
