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It goes without saying that as we get older and time goes on we are meant to mature. Growing up sounds so appealing hey? Just like a good wine, there is the common perception that things get better as they get older and mature, and Philadelphia Grand Jury’s new album Summer Of Doom is the perfect example of this. They show us how it’s possible to grow up and mature, but still have a good time and a whole lot of fun.
Philadelphia Grand Jury are back with Summer of Doom. A little more rugged and complex, it’s the musical equivalent to a lumberjack with a rubik’s cube.
After briefly calling it quits back in 2011, the Sydney trio are back with a more sophisticated sound that will kick you in the guts just that little bit harder than it previously has. They have developed a more rugged sound that leaves you feeling a fair whack more satisfied than with their older material. Don’t get me wrong, I have been a fan of these guys since before they broke up and genuinely enjoy their music. But it seems that Summer Of Doom has taken a step away from their old pop-rock sounds and has delved deeper into a layered, more textural combination of influences and genres.
So although we have terribly missed the Philly Jays while they were on a lengthy hiatus, it has done their sound a world of good. It appears the new Philly’s have sat the old Philly’s down and politely explained that they had to move on, not that it’s the old Philly’s fault, they just needed to change. So with no hard feelings, it is pretty evident they have found their feet and have cracked on to a new and pretty infectious sound.
Written and recorded in just 10 days, with most of the tracks being recorded within 30 minutes of being written, there is no hint of rushed production or clumsy fumbling to just get the record done. It is actually quite the opposite. Summer Of Doom throws out a developed, more complex sound . There is not one track on the album that sounds the same, and there is an abundance of genre influences thrown into the mix that show just how much their sound has matured and evolved since their 2009 debut Hope Is For Hopers.
There’s also a rawness to this records that sees the trio take another step further away from their old selves. Once upon a time, they had quite a clean-cut, polished and upbeat sound, but now, there is a grittiness that seems to be a common theme throughout the entirety of Summer Of Doom. The drumming is heavier and heftier, the guitar twang is louder and fuzzier, and the vocals are more substantial and now harbour a slight rock n roll growl.
These new sounds unquestionably introduce a more well-rounded, mature and versatile band. With a national tour on the horizon, the love that the Philly Jay’s have received from the first single release from Summer Of Doom, Crashing & Burning Pt II, shows that fans are really responding positively and welcoming their new found maturity.
Summer of Doom will be released Friday October 2.
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