The Grit – Straight Out The Alley

Newcastle’s The Grit have been defying easy classification since their formation back in 2002. Their formula consists of one part psychobilly, another part punk, and a little dose of lively ska. With each subsequent release the band has tended to rearrange their influences and tweak their emphases. Their self titled debut focused on their punk personae, their 2007 followup demonstrated their love for psychobilly, and now their latest release, 2009’s Straight Out The Alley, seems to thrive off their ska side, and even draw upon a few new influences. They’ve even added an additional member to their lineup for the occasion.

Right from the first track I knew I was in store for something a little different. The track opens with the sounds of a violent gang shooting, then launches right into some sort of dancehall swing instrumental led by a crisp guiding brass section. The odd opening braces the listener for anything, but also has a curious amount of replay value. The following track, “Let Me Take You For A Ride,” is a speedy melodic punk tune with a thick guiding double bass and sweeping backing “woahs.” The song has a squeaky clean feel, with Big Lou’s vocals feeling uncharacteristically reminiscent of Australia’s psychobilly-gone-alternative supergroup, The Living End. But that’s about as commercial as the album gets. What follows sounds raw and outrageous.

Songs like “This World” and “Lunatics” have a distinct Oi/street punk feel, while others like “Cast Ya Mind Back” channel a celtic country sound. Aside from appropriate tempo changes, when The Gritexplore new territory they employ a vast array of instruments. They achieve their celtic country vibe by featuring appearances by acoustic guitars, accordions, and even a short lived mandolin solo. This combination succeeds because the band prevents these flourishes from overpowering their foundation. Psychobilly, punk, and ska remain at the heart of each song. In fact, as if to remind listeners of their roots, the album features some real back-to-the-basics songs. For example, “Victim Lives Another Day” and “Long Time Dead” strip The Grit down to their basic psychobilly elements, and “Tell Me Lies” elevates ska well into the foreground.

Lyrically, the band coats songs about street class life with a subtle sense of humour. The band often connects a nostalgic past to the present. For example, “Cast Ya Mind Back” challenges the listener, who is obviously listening to the song from the comfort of modern luxury, to imagine a time defined by assembly lines, seafarers, and manual labour. Tracks like “Lunatics” mock pretentious university graduates, and others like “You Ought To Know” poke fun at junkies who insist their habit will have a “last time.” The Grit‘s subtle sense of humour makes Straight Out The Alley an overall fun listen.

I found Straight Out The Alley a pleasant surprise. When I was first introduced to the band through 2007’s Shall We Dine, I felt that they had a tight but slightly tiresome sound – maybe even a little middle of the road. Consequently, I wasn’t expecting more than a harmless listen from Straight Out The Alley. But now, a combination of new influences, instruments, and the addition of a forth band member, have putThe Grit on my radar, and Straight Out The Alley in high rotation.