Synth-Pop collides with Indie-Rock to create a sound with a distinct millennial edge. Juxtaposing acute observations of human interaction with foot-pounding rhythms and playfully-layered melodies, the album reveals itself as the audible equivalent of an Escher painting or a Vonnegut novel.
In just 2 years, Gramsci Melodic have already recorded a full-length album with a Grammy-winning production team, been named one of Pittsburgh’s “Top 3 Bands,” and performed to capacity crowds as far away as Boston. If you’ve heard them, then this comes as no surprise. If you’ve not, you are about to experience a band whose musicality, showmanship, and pop-accessibility will indelibly leave its mark.
Gramsci Melodic are as difficult to categorize as their name is to pronounce (it’s said, “Grom-She”, by the way.) After hearing their studio album and seeing a live show, you’ll understand why they’ve been called “refreshingly original,” “champs of eclectic pop-rock,” “super fun yet diabolical,” and “stunning.”
The band was formed in 2007 after singer and guitarist, Martin Rubeo, teamed with Sean Rayl (drums), Tony Willoe (bass), Greg Haduch (keyboard), and Joel York (synthesizers). The unique sound, for which the band is known, was a result of the members’ diverse musical backgrounds: Indie-rock Guitarist, jazz/latin drummer, Prog-Rock bassist, R&B Keyboardist, and New Wave Synthesist. Eric Granata (guitar/percussion) joined the band in June of 2009.
Rapidly, the audiences grew, the opportunities emerged, and demo-CDs sold at an exponential rate. Before long, Gramsci Melodic was performing at sought-after venues (Station Square Amphitheater, Pepsi Roadhouse, Diesel, Hard Rock Cafe) with nationally revered acts (Rusted Root, Wiz Khalifa, Bill Deasy, Ryan Montbleu, Enter The Haggis) and as headliners themselves. The band was offered the chance to record with Grammy-winning, Audible Images, after producer, Hollis Greathouse saw the band perform in 2008. The resulting album (scheduled for release in June, 2009) showcases the band’s perfect blend of pop-hooks, layered textures, thumping rhythms, and razor-sharp lyrical commentary.
Read more...