THE GRIP WEEDS: A powerhouse pop-psyche band extraordinaire who write insanely gripping melodic nuggets- a gorgeous alchemy of the 60's and 70's brought into the 21st century, with ripping guitars, powerful drumming, and golden harmonies.
“Sparkling, insanely catchy psyche-pop”: The Grip Weeds are a critically-acclaimed psychedelic/garage/ powerpop quartet consisting of brothers Kurt and Rick Reil (on drums and guitar respectively), Kristin Pinell (guitar) and Michael Kelly (bass). Together, the Grip Weeds take elements like the harmonic purity and psychedelic spirit of ‘60s rock and the visceral power of early ‘70s classics into the modern era. Surrounded by their vintage equipment, this talented four-piece band records slices of perfect, radio-friendly guitar-pop- Psychedelic enough to appeal to record junkies and Sixties-retro fans, but edgy enough to fit seamlessly into a modern rock set.
Brothers Rick and Kurt Reil grew up playing music together in Central New Jersey and their strong musical and familial bond ultimately gave birth to The Grip Weeds. Both share singing and songwriting duties and their close-knit harmony vocals recall those of the Everly Brothers or The Byrds. Besides being a capable singer, Kurt’s explosive drumming resembles that of a young and sober Keith Moon, while Rick alternates between crashing power chords and delicate 12-string riffs. Female lead guitarist Kristin Pinell proves that a woman can rock as intensely as anyone; her epic melodic leads draw inspiration from the likes of Jimmy Page, Eric Clapton, Brian May and George Harrison. Rounding out the foursome is super musician Michael Kelly, whose bass lines run from lyrical to thunderous.
The band has released four full-length CDs (three on the Rainbow Quartz label), performed throughout the US and in Europe, and has garnered significant radio/internet airplay including several songs spotlighted on Little Steven’s Underground Garage radio shows. The Grip Weeds have produced all of their recordings at their own studio House Of Vibes as well as those of many other artists- most recently, Kurt engineered and co-produced Meet The Smithereens, a CD tribute to the Beatles by New Jersey's The Smithereens.
The Grip Weeds' latest release, House Of Vibes Revisited, is a remixed and remastered edition of their debut disc, re-imagined for the 21st Century. Featuring an impressive blend of Beatle-esque sensibilities fused with rock edginess, the band’s trademark lush harmonies and high caliber songwriting, the original release put The Grip Weeds on the map in the ‘90s. Having already remixed and remastered their second album The Sound Is In You in 2003, a “fresh coat of paint” on House Of Vibes seemed a natural next step; the album’s remix is a dramatic and sometimes astonishing sonic improvement, which celebrates and cements the band's reputation as D.I.Y. recording stalwarts. In addition, the band will be featured on compilations to be released on Little Steven’s Wicked Cool Records this year.
Influences
Beatles-Byrds-Who- and all who sound like them...
Band Members
Kurt Reil- vocals,drums; Rick Reil- vocals, guitar; Kristin Pinell- guitar, vocals; Michael Kelly- bass, vocals.
NOW AVAILABLE!!! THE GRIP WEEDS DEBUT ALBUM ON WICKED COOL RECORDS
"The natural progression from the Who to the Jam to Oasis" - Village Voice.
The Grip Weeds share the best of their "sparkling, insanely catchy psyche-pop" on this collection, the band's debut for Wicked Cool Records. INFINITE SOUL includes fifteen incredible tracks from their four albums, plus one newly recorded song: "She Brings The Rain." The central New Jersey natives have fanned the flames of a growing audience thanks to immense press, significant radio/internet airplay, and tour dates throughout the U.S. and Europe. INFINITE SOUL is a tremendous compilation that promises to widen their loyal legion of fans..
"We like to mix it up in Jersey and The Grip Weeds are a great example," says Little Steven. "A touch of The Beatles, a bit of The Byrds, A dash of The Kinks, pinch of The Who, and a dollop of The Zombies and you get something quite original actually. And quite cool.".
The Grip Weeds are brothers Rick (guitar) and Kurt (drums) Reil, Kristin Pinell (lead guitar) and Michael Kelly (bass). The Grip Weeds mix the spirit of 60's and 70's rock to deliver a sonic concoction of Beatle-esque sensibilities and rock edginess that fit into the modern era. The band has produced all their records in their own studio – House of Vibes – earning the reputation as D.I.Y. recording stalwarts.
Here's what music critics are saying about The Grip Weeds:.
"Bursting with terrific songs." - USA Today.
A Grip Weeds song is so distinctive and unique that it obliterates most pop pretenders, retro-mongers, and fetishists." – All Music Guide.
"If you prefer out-of-tune guitars and adenoidal vocals or retro punk, the Grip Weeds will simply annoy. For everyone else, fall down and worship." –Harp.
"Glistening harmonies, deliciously jangly guitars and tightly constructed songs make [The Grip Weeds] the genuine article in a crowded field of power pop wannabes." –Pop Culture Press.
"It is easier to describe this band-- which gets its name from Private Grip Weed, John Lennon's character in the film How I Won The War-- as being on a mission to capture what is best about '60s group music for a new audience in the coming millennium." – Goldmine .
ALL-NEW DOUBLE CD/LP out 6.29.10 on Rainbow Quartz Records
"Speed Of Life" from the new Grip Weeds LP STRANGE CHANGE MACHINE was recently (May 2010) choosen as the "Coolest Song In The World" on Little Steven's Underground Garage!
(click on images to order from: The Grip Weeds Store)
HOUSE OF VIBES REVISITED
Out Of Today Salad Days Close Descending Love Realize Someone Embraces Always Come Don't Belong Haunted Realise Before I Close My Eyes Walking In The Crowd
Astral Man Realities Gone Before Once Again Midnight Sun Waiting For a Sign Give Me Some of Your Ways Sight Unseen Closer to Love I Believe Infinite Soul Telescope Get By
Intro Every Minute Better World What I Believe Is You Games A Piece of My Own Tomorrow We're Not Getting Through In Waking Dreams Morning Rain Ready and Waiting Strange Bird Everything and All You Feel Down to the Wire What's In Your Mind Inca
Save My Life She Surrounds Me Rainy Day #3 Don't Look Over Your Shoulder Future Move Is It Showing Window Love's Lost on You Changed Life and Love, Times to Come Love That Never Ends Melancholia Moving Circle Summer of a Thousand Years
Intro Every Minute Better World What I Believe Is You Games A Piece of My Own Tomorrow We're Not Getting Through In Waking Dreams Morning Rain Ready and Waiting Strange Bird Everything and All You Feel Down to the Wire What's In Your Mind Inca Outro (previously hidden track) Bonus Tracks Lazy Day I Can Hear the Grass Grow
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