Grandma’s Ashes – This Too Shall Pass
Release Date: 17th February 2023
Label: Nice Prod
Bandcamp
Genre: Alternative Rock, Prog Rock.
FFO: Soundgarden, Brutus, Blackwater, Holylight, Black Moth.
Review By: Mark Waight
If you are a fan of hazy and dreamy vocals, then This Too Shall Pass, the debut album from Parisian rock trio Grandma’s Ashes is well worth a listen. The often-theatrical vocals are an atmospheric cocktail of sarcasm and doom that slowly draw you into the heavy, psychedelic world of the French capital’s nightlife. The Music at first seems so simple, it’s anything but, so listen out for multiple layers and a few nice surprises.
Grandma’s Ashes is Eva Hagen (vocals, bass), Myriam El Moumni (guitars, backing vocals) and Edith Seguier (drums, backing vocals).
The album opens with a short acapella intro that introduces us to the band’s harmonious vocal capabilities. Cold Touch has a heavy bass theme with lighter guitar and vocal interludes. It is a haunting and beautifully crafted song that gives you great insight into the varied layers and contrasting elements of this bands sound.
Aside has a retro alternative riff fused with a heavy psych undertone that gives it a real edgy feel. The vocals float between angelic and something much darker, whereas Borderlands is a much lighter, acoustic song for the most part, although there are still patches of darkness and a very Sabbath style finish. The vocals drift along fabulously between light and airy to proper hard rock.
A short instrumental interlude then follows to lift the mood slightly. Spring Harvest is a warmer, gentle track with a sweet alternative riff and even sweeter vocals that are as soft as fluffy white clouds on a sunny day. Cruel Nature is very much in the folkier, progressive rock vein by using simple, light melodies and combining them with crystal clear vocals and harmonies. This is followed by another short interlude of gorgeous saxophone playing (very nice and very unexpected).
La Ronce is, in parts, a jazz inspired tune with a more mainstream appeal, although the harder edged guitars are never far away. It also demonstrates that Grandma’s Ashes have more than a few surprises up their sleeves. Who doesn’t need Caffeine in the morning, or at any time of day, to be fair? This song is a dark, then light, then dark again affair, it is up and down, just like an addict waiting for their next fix (make mine a black Americano).
Cassandra is a quirky little track that is so clever by being complex in its apparent simplicity. There is lots going on with different layers of sound, giving it real depth and a very satisfying climax. Final track Lost at Sea cuts a gloomy scene with beautiful despairing vocals and glorious doom-laden riffs. It is my favourite track on the album and really highlights the bands excellent songwriting.
Grandma’s Ashes are a band with a great future. Their work is tight and classy, yet they make it sound so simple and uncomplicated, which is testament indeed to their skill and craft. This Too Shall Pass is only the first step on what may become an epic journey.
(3.5 / 5)
