Wade Coggeshall
When listening to "'Till the Medicine Takes," the debut from Grey Goose, it's easy to understand why Hot Water Music's Rob McGregor and Chris Wollard were behind the boards.Grey Goose, who like Hot Water Music are Gainesville, Fla., natives, display a ragged obstinacy reminiscent of their post-punk brothers-in-arms. Led by the smoke-laced vocals of guitarist Kaleb Stewart, this four-piece comes across as weary in spirit and hardened beyond their years. This almost underdog quality is endearing for the band, as its mostly unadorned music glows with uninhibited mettle and brusque beauty.Tenacious rhythms abound, beginning with opener "I Wish You Weren't Wrong" and continuing with the simple but stirring melody structure of "Freddie Vs. Jason." The stratified guitar grit of "Band of the Future" parlays a harmonica uprising courtesy of McGregor.Grey Goose locks into a hurried ramble on cuts "Elimination Process" and "Burn Out." Eschewing solos for a more streamlined approach, the band finally lets rip with the J Mascis clamor of "Xiola" before engaging in the jangling demolition of closer "Stewardess on the Ground," cementing its burgeoning reputation as an indie rock Neil Young."I Know Where Crazy Lives" deserves mention as an apt description of Grey Goose. A skeletal lead guitar is fleshed out with disparate and attached strings. A violin haunts the background as Stewart repeats, as much a question as a refrain, "It'll all work out."With Hot Water Music on extended hiatus, Grey Goose is the logical choice to fill such a noticeable gap.——On the Net:www.greygoosegvl.comwww.soundsofsubterrania.com
