Grand Ole Party: Humanimals

Grand Ole Party
Humanimals
DH Records

Grand Ole Party's opening performance for Spiritualized had me convinced that they were a force to be reckoned with by the second song into their set. Opening bands often provide a backdrop loud club banter. It's rare when a band with very little local history commands the attention of the entire audience. Flanked by bassist Michael Krechnyak and guitarist John Paul Labno, drummer Kristin Gundred sits front center behind a big beat, with an endearing sneer and a wail that won't let go. Their show was filled with a kind of energy that most bands never deliver. It was exhausting just listening to their set. It became clear, that I was going to have to support this band and buy the disc.

One of the first things that comes to mind on the second spin of this album is how all of the songs had so quickly become familiar. Humanimals almost immediately fits like a old baseball glove. Whether it's singer Gundred's unique in-your-face enunciation, or simply tunes that rarely stray from their formula, the fact of the matter is that Grand Ole Party has created a very listenable and likable album. That said, this is not a great album. There are flaws. It's familiarity could be it's downfall, as the lack of discovery will shorten the listenable lifespan. While it's a fun album to crank in the car on the way to work, and again on the way home, there are very few surprises. GOP lays it all on the line from the get-go. Stand-out songs include "Look Out Young Son," and "I.N.S.A.N.E.," both of which showcase the bluesy bark that Gundred spews like glass shards. Humanimals is not a new album. It was released in 2007 and produced by Blake Sennett of Rilo Kiley.

A google search will produce a handful of comparisons to the White Stripes but I don't really hear it (could it be that Kristin is a female drummer, who sings). There is however plenty of reference to the Yeah Yeah Yeah's, Grace Slick, Chrissie Hynde and a handful of other women who wail. Gundred sings with a strong caterwaul that has me convinced that GOP is only the beginning of her long music career. She certainly doesn't need to sit front center with a drum kit to be noticed, but it doesn't hurt. I highly recommend catching GOP when they come to your town, and if you're looking for some fun driving tunes, pick up the album, you won't be sorry. Fear not, Grand Ole Party (the band) carries no reference to the Republican Party.

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