Excellent instrumental storyboard
bkhage01 | 01/01/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"If you haven't heard Grails before, and you enjoy instrumental and progressive rock like Explosions in the Sky, Six Parts Seven, Saxon Shore, and Caspian, I strongly suggest you check out this band immediately.
That being said, Burning Off Impurities is the band's incredible and most recent effort. It's hard to label it with a particular style because the music is so varied. It isn't as "hard" in the beginning as Burden of Hope, but it's every bit as heavy (not metal heavy). Don't let that scare you away. The guitarwork is here, but there are not as many roaring climaxes as in Burden. The drums, however, do tend to add to the heaviness of the sound, with intricate cadences and crashing cymbals.
The album starts off slowly with "Soft Temple", which has an almost Mediterranean feel to it. The song then progresses into something heavier and complex with excellent drumwork and a vast array of instruments. The drumwork continues to amaze throughout the rest of the album, as do the strange string accompaniments and overall dark mood, but there is something sweet and inviting here. Sounds of rain and wind can actually be heard in the second track behind the music, and it all meshes effortlessly. The first buildup and climax occurs toward the middle of the 8+ minute epic "Silk Rd" and the music only gets better.
The album does not have a plethora of tracks, due to the complexity and length of the 8 that are present, and there is no more needed. You'll want to listen to this album again immediately after it's over. Whether you are looking for something to chill out or study to, or become completely absorbed in, this album is for you."
A successful experiment
Tyler | Ontario, Canada | 07/13/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Combining post-rock, ethnic-themed music, and ambient music isn't something a mainstreamer would get excited about. Even I was skeptical when I first heard what Grails were all about. However, Grails is absolutely brilliant.
From the epic, 8-minute-plus "Silk Rd" to the relaxing "Drawn Curtains", Burning Off Impurities is an incredible album. It's hard to describe, which is why I haven't described much of it. It's simply worth a listen and, if you can, a purchase. Grails knows what they're doing."
Headphone Commute Review
Headphone Commute | 02/03/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This must be one of the most interesting compositions that I've heard in a long time. Perhaps my surprise may be attributed to my lack of familiarity with instrumental psychedelic rock. Regardless of the circumstances, I find the album refreshing, intelligent, skillfully executed, and captivating. The four member band from Portland, Grails, has more than half a dozen of releases on labels such as Important, Neurot and Robotic Empire; and the experience of such musicianship is splattered across an entire album. Burning Off Impurities is a composition that perfectly blends elements of world, classic, psychedelic, and post-rock, where instruments are masterfully played and include piano, banjo, sitar, and of course, guitar. I especially like the non-intrusive percussion that guides the music through the roller-coaster of emotion. Influenced by range of artists from Black Sabbath to Led Zeppelin, the band, however, tends to stay closer to the American folk sound. You have to forgive this reviewer's desire to pinpoint a genre - and so once again I must remind myself (and you as well) of what matters the most: great music. And that's precisely what Grails accomplishes on this stunning album, barring all classification aside. I am very excited about this discovery, and recommend you check them out as well. Favorite Tracks : Silk Rd, Origin-ing and Burning Off Impurities."
Track Listings (8) - Disc #1