Portland instrumentalists Grails deliver on this driven debut on Neurot recordings, a label famous mostly for progressive hardcore pioneers Neurosis, as well as several electronic and sample based noise and experimental projects. Grails, however, are an instrumental, live instrument band, with a distinctly different sound than anything else on Neurot, yet an ethos that seems to fit the label to a t.

Grails succeed where most instrumental bands fail, providing movingly crafted rhythms upon strong leads and mixed instruments. Their use of violin and saxophone on certain tracks really set the mood for the record, overlayed over well pieced together, emotional movements. There is definitely a darkness on this record, but an overall sense of calmness seems to creep out from the edges, driving it further. There is a Godspeed You! Black Emperor feel, but a touch of darker melody keeps it from being remotely derivative; in other words, it will appeal to the same fans, but for very different reasons.

Grails have built a strong debut which is worth more than just a couple listens. Ultimately it will never receive much attention, being instrumental, which is too bad; but it will likely stay in your player for quite a while.

-Dave Mandell