Florida. Florida. Florida. Those three words forever chiseled in the annals of American political and journalistic history from the late broadcaster Tim Russert, take on a different meaning during this summer of discontent, or, summer of 2020. No, I’m not talking about “hanging chads” or even The Villages, I’m talking about another Florida band stealing the spotlight. Greye, a band from Daytona Beach, is one to keep on your radar, music lovers. Their new single “So Far So Good” is a juicy, fun storyline and robust music bed ripe for the listening. No time like now, “So Far So Good” is one hot hit for the summer.
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/greyemusic/
A raunchy, sweaty electric guitar swoops into the purview. It’s a wild, wet ride from the start. Tell me what you can, I’ll make up the rest, the vivid and vivacious lead singer Hannah Summer strikes. Piercing the soul and falling prey to the crashing drum cymbals, Summer grabs the listener by the hand and the song goes from 55-miles-per-hour to 100-miles-per-hour in a snap. She fits like a glove and the ebb and flow of the guitar and bass guitar straddle the balance between rock and blues. Step into the ring, Summer quips, like a vixen. Push a little more, she prompts, playing a bit of cat-and-mouse with guitarist Jett Wolfe (even his name sounds fit for a lead guitarist). Worthy indeed, the listener surmises.
Summer, Wolfe, Josh Reid (bass) and Ray Grimard (drums) set the tone quickly, before keyboardist Ken-e- Williams tickles the ivories. Sounding like he’s more seasoned in the blues world, Williams’ contributions add an exciting texture to this indefinable genre-sounding song.
It’s par for the course when it comes to Greye. Their previous albums like Providence (2014), The Worrier (2016), Windows (2017) and Under The Weather (2019) all dabble in a variety of pop, soul, heavy guitar and even Americana. Just a few months ago, they released “Lucky” that had an avalanche of percussion and keys, meshed with Summer’s two-sided coin vocals. She’s tender and sweet; sour and weathered. For the sake of this review, let’s stamp country hard rock on them. I might even change my mind on that by the end of this report.
APPLE MUSIC: https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/greye/907473483?ign-gact=3&ls=1
What is certain is “So Far So Good” has an instant rapport with the listener. Now, the meaning, well, that is debatable. Songs with deeper meaning and not to be taken literally are some of my favorites. When the song starts out, especially when Summer says she’s stepping into the ring, she’s ready to fight. I envisioned her getting over a relationship and getting back on the proverbial horse. Her new guy is different, and she’s just as different after her last lover. The chorus – I don’t know much anymore, but I know what I’m in for, so far so good, means (to me) that she knows her past hiccups and she’s ready to start anew. The story and the chorus really clung to me and I felt like I couldn’t escape the words (and Summer’s voice) for days). “So Far So Good” is a genuine hit.
Troy Johnston
The music of GREYE has been heard all over the world in partnership with the radio plugging services offered by Musik and Film Radio Promotions Division. Learn more https://musikandfilm.com