The Granfalloons

"I got a copy of The Granfalloons' new one last week, Songs to Sing, and I can't listen to it without craving sunshine and margaritas."

-Michelle Gilzenrat - Flagpole Magazine

The Granfalloons

Songs to Sing

Independent Release

Locals The Granfalloons may be capable of some serious rocking on their debut, Songs to Sing, though playing serious rock is something they don’t often do. Comprised of former and current members of Blueground Undergrass, Squat, Birds + Wire and Col. Bruce Hampton’s Fiji Mariners, the five-, sometimes six- member band solicits smiles and mischievous winks with its upbeat, sometimes self-deprecating tunes.

If you’re familiar with any of the previous groups The Granfalloons members have played with, the sunny, laid-back Americana heard on Songs to Sing can be seen as a little old mixed with a little new. The relaxed vibe is similar to that exuded by Blueground Undergrass. But, that group’s inherent psychedelia is absent as The Granfalloons’ instrumentation (which also features sporadic fiddle accompaniment by Curly Maple frontman and fellow ex-Undergrass member David Blackmon) forsakes the electric banjo in favor of jaunty steel guitar runs and a more roots rock, less jam band-infused sound.

“Real Life” rides a comfy wave of lap steel and squeeze box, while “Resume” takes the old bumper sticker catch-phrase of “I’d Rather Be Fishing” on a hooky trip highlighted by Tommy Summerville’s harmonica and Seth Hendershot’s impeccably subtle drumwork. “Nobody’s singin’ your song/ No one’s even out there anyway,” sings Williams on the harmonious, Jayhawks-esque “Nobody’s Singin’.” Good luck not singing along to any of the 10 originals included here, as The Granfalloons know how to grab hold of that hum-inducing, toe-tapping part of your brain 'til those around you are pleading with them to turn loose.

Michael Andrews - Flagpole Magazine