James Grehan

Released earlier thus year, Grehan's second album almost slipped through the cracks here at Time Off but some recent live slots encouraged us to dig out one of the best local releases of the year.

Chemical Sunsets sees the young Brisbane lad in fine form with 13 songs of political overtones and melodic excellence. It's a sublime musical buffet featuring moody atmospherics and hints of psychedelia while sounding completely at home indulging in indie Britpop and the occasional hint of alt-country.

His songwriting as a whole could be compared to the likes of Nick Drake or Elliot Smith but the likes of the exceptional 'Staring Down The Sun' adn Triple J favourite 'Code Red' would be at home in Powderfinger's catalogue.

Chemical Sunsets is an exceptional listen from an exceptional singer/songwriter. - Time Off Magazine

From the outset of ‘Chemical Sunsets’ you sense Gold Coast artist James Grehan has delivered the goods.

On opening track ‘Enemy’, he showcases an unabashed familiarity with Brit-indie pop, which flows together with a golden vibe. There’s a moody presence on ‘Dive Right In’ that has a smattering of psychedelia while ‘Staring Down the Sun’ reverts to an alt-country feel that is reminiscent of the Shins.

‘Let Me Rest’ has touches of Stephen Malkmus and Elliot Smith before Grehan ups the intensity on ‘Code Red’, a brooding affair of acoustic and electric guitar.

This one’s gonna have to be jimmied from your stereo…believe me! And whatever you do, don’t loan this one to your girlfriend, you’ll never get it back. - Scene

This is a rather accomplished pop/rock album that acts as a good introduction to James Grehan's respectable song writing abilities.

As a vocalist, Grehan has enough character and ability to lift these songs up from the hordes of artists that work in similar territory and them with his own flavour.

The arrangements are effective in presenting the songs in a pure manner and Triple J has certainly deemed the album worthy enough to feature no less than five of the songs on air.

A bigger budget would help Grehan to reach the heights that are hinted at here, but there is plenty to enjoy on this album in the meantime.

Greg Reason - Tsunami Magazine

James Grehan got a warm response over at the 4ZZZ stage, whether performing with his band or alone with an acoustic guitar. His repertoire ranged from quiet, gentle folk -flavoured ballads , to gutsier full band blues rock.

Very nice indeed. - Time Off Magazine

James Grehan doesn't hit you over the head. Instead, he eases you into his world, caressing with smooth guitar playing and and breezy tempos. He follows a path previously trodden by the likes of Ben Harper and John Butler Trio, although his is one not so explicitly rootsy,

Catchy melodies and considered arrangements keep your attention throughout. Although, withe the atmospheric and moody 'Sound Track to Fantasy', strong basslines and slide guitar in the title track, and sombre tones of closer 'Seans Lament', you shouldn't have any trouble concentrating.

Lyrically, Grehan paints poetic pictures of moments and people close to his heart. In fact, that's where all the music on Rather Be a Butterfly comes from. Just try and resist the charm of a song like 'Riddler' - its not easy. - Rave Magazine