The Grumpy
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The Grumpy

El Dorado Hills, California, United States | SELF

El Dorado Hills, California, United States | SELF
Band Alternative Rock

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This band has not uploaded any videos
This band has not uploaded any videos

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"CD Review"

"After listening to 'THROES OF CONTEMPLATION', one can only hope that this is only the begining for the band, despite the fact that they've been together for close to a decade. WEST is the chief songwriter for the band and one can hear evidence of the man's classical training, despite the BLUE OYSTER CULT-styled power chords. From the opening track CHANGE to the closing lighter waving anthem MISUNDERSTOOD, the band remain consistent and engaging throughout, while wearing an obvious RUSH influence on their rolled up sleeve." - Rockwired Magazine Brian Lush


"CD Review"

The chemistry of this Sacramento based power trio is undeniable from the opening Bass slide and guitar riff of the first song, "Change" to the final chilling piano notes of, "Misunderstood". theGrumpy will leave a lasting impression on all that listen to what they play and have to say, throughout their masterfully written third E.P. "Throes Of Contemplation." The musical talent of lead singer/guitarist, Cameron is evident throughout this CD with an equally talented backbone provided by drummer J.W. Brooks and bass guitarist Jake Furguson. theGrumpy have infectious grooves and lyrical persistence that grants them leverage into the world of popular music.

"Change" opens this powerful E.P. as strong as any opening song I have heard to date. A heavy drum beat with crashes perfectly synchronized with the artful guitar licks that peek and comfort ones interest at all the perfect times. Singer Cameron uses simple but brilliant vocal changes throughout this song leading up to the dramatics incorporated in the lyrics, "I don't think I'll sleep again?" "Under The Light" drifts in with a menacing lyrical line that is capable of becoming any ballad lovers' favorite through the use of catchy word phrasing and the quintessential romantic vocals of Cameron. "Walk" parallels with the heaviest of heaviest in drum and groove. The drumming of J.W. Brooks stands amongst some of the best that I have heard in recent memory with a sound few drummers can duplicate, but many attempt. Brooks has many drum changes and rolls showing his dedication to his craft, throughout every one of the songs that make up, "Throes Of Contemplation".

"Throes Of Contemplation" was co-produced, engineered, mixed by Brian Randolph with co-production by Cameron. Any fan of good lyrical content in music today with a totality to stay within the wholly sensatory rock scene played out on a scale that many attempt and few accomplish, will be musically engulfed by this work of art. TheGrumpy have successfully "produced," in the creation of "Throes Of Contemplation".

~Quentin Q. Quirk (Q/5) - Music Underground Entertainment News


"Live Review"

Material: If you're looking for a band that doesn't sound like all the rest, then look no further than the Grumpy. Raw, powerful and intense. All of these words accurately describe this outfit's music. Some might even call it mind blowing. More than impressive songs such as "Change" and "Fuzz" deliver a sound that makes a double shot of tequila seem tame. "Tastic" and "Walk" are equally addictive with a masterful display that shows off the entire band's skills.

Musicianship: Overall, the Grumpy are a superb set of musicians. Cameron West, the band's lead singer, displays a lot of emotion and energy and his voice is unique in its sound; strong but also edgy with quite a bit of range, allowing for a great mix. West is equally competent on the lead guitar as he makes his axe wail, reminiscent of the sounds from Iron Maiden and old school Metallica but with an added twist. J.W. Brooks shines on the drums and does not miss a beat, and is also flawless on the double bass.

Performance: The Grumpy gave a powerful performance and the crowd responded in kind. The energy created on stage was raw, explosive and made your hair stand on end. Most notable was how each member complemented the other's sound. No one was overshadowed and everything throughout the set just fit perfectly.

Summary: The Grumpy are not a band that should be taken lightly. In fact, they deserve to be taken very seriously. With a little bit of direction, it is very possible these guys are going places. It's not too often you come across music you only hear once and can automatically rock out to. The end result leaves listeners walking away and still wanting more. So far their only flaw: the Grumpy are not yet signed.

-Tom Laurie - Music Connection Magazine


"Throes of Contemplation CD Review"

Throes of Contemplation by theGrumpy is a six song EP of alternative/metal rock that is deeply personal and showcases very strong guitar ability. The lead guitar, played by recent Sacramento Your Music Olympicks guitar solo silver medalist Cameron (no last name given) paints portraits of dark agony and pain perpetuated by his own gruff vocals. The aggressive vocal and guitar style, which does progress into more melodic composition before growing back into heavier parts, is complimented by the electric bass guitar of Jake Ferguson and drums of JW Brooks.

Ferguson's bass often serves to drive the rhythm, providing plenty of power to the already strong lead guitar melodies. Brooks' drums compliment the rest of the band while never stepping in the way of lead guitar, which clearly leads the way on this EP.

theGrumpy never fails to let you in on the storytelling that lead singer Cameron provides, making this a memorable release that displays authentic guitar chops and composition. Of note is that this album allows the listener a sneak peek on the pain and terrific introspection of the lead singer, more so than most releases of the pop music and even heavy metal genres. The EP ends with a dark yet beautiful piano solo provided by Cameron that shows more range than perhaps was expected by someone already so gifted in an aggressive style of lead guitar playing. With plenty of energy supplied by the complimentary instruments, this release by theGrumpy leaves the listener eager to see what's next from this hard rock trio.

-Ben Baker - Your Music Magazine


Discography

Songs for the Scorned (2004), THR33 (2007), Throes of Contemplation (2008). Many of our songs have had radio airplay, internet streaming and features on internet radio.

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Bio

The Grumpy was formed in 1999 by frontman Cameron Carbrey and drummer JW Brooks, which began the long and arduous process of finding the perfect member to fill out the project. After sifiting through what seemed like every musician in California, we stumbled upon our "diamond in the rough" of a bassist by the name of Justin Taylor. Sharing the same love for eclectic music and classic automobiles, the group instantly hit it off and began writing the next album as a departure from the cookie cutter rock and into a more diverse and eclectic mix. Today, the band is recording their fourth self-produced CD bringing much more of frontman Cameron's skills to the table. Taking home the 2009 South Bay Music Award for best independent CD and nomination for Best Rock Band, as well as two nominations in the 19th Annual Music Awards for Best Rock CD and Best Rock Single, the Grumpy has established themselves as an original and powerful rock band. Get ready for the next evolution.