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Philadelphia based alternative pop-rock band Grayscale have returned with their fourth studio album, ‘The Hart’. This marks their first full-length since 2021’s ‘Umbra’. This album dives into all the key elements of what make this band who they are today, in lyrical growth and the melodies to carry the whole record. It’s an example of what makes this band stand out from the rest of their peers.
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The record opens on the title track with a piano and orchestral intro, feeling epic and leading into “Kept Me Alive”. The energy is there right off the bat, and it’s a great way to set the tone for what this record is. It gives off huge rock anthem vibes throughout, especially with how huge that chorus is. I would say this is a personal favorite off the album, and it feels like their best song in years. The drums, delivered by drummer Nick Veno, pack a punch to this song in particular and the production shines bright. The final chorus ending on a soft and somber note is a nice touch, with the piano and acoustic guitar to back it up for full effect.
The vibe carries on with another high point of this record, with “Through the Landslide”. The bass stands out right out the gates, and it sounds pretty crisp. The melodies are working overtime on this one, as they deliver on their pop-rock side expertly here. The twinkly sort of noises are a nice addition to another bangin’ chorus, it feels nostalgic in a way and you can feel the influences here from the 1980’s.
The record shifts a bit with the next track, in “Talking In My Sleep”. The acoustic and piano really sets the vibe really nicely on this one, reminds me of Train a little bit. It goes to show just how well they incorporate these elements into these tracks. The lyrics hit deep here as well, some of the best of the whole album. I think it does a great job of doing something different but keeping the pace of the record well and smooth. The melodies here and the synth in the bridge once again show off some 80’s influence in songs like these, and show off the progression of this band nicely.
We jump to one of the more recent singles, with “Let Go”. The bass here feels pretty haunting here especially, there’s just something about it. This song gives off some real The Band Camino vibes, from the melodies to its structure. I think the verses are very solid here, but the chorus leaves a little left to be desired on an album filled with huge choruses. The track feels pretty simple overall, but still enjoyable enough to contribute to the DNA of the record.
It’s followed by yet another single, and one of the more fun songs off the record with “Summer Clothes”. It gives off such nostalgic 2000’s vibes, reminiscent to that of Third Eye Blind. It truly gives off such summer anthem energy, sunshine and wild nature all in one song. The guitar delivered by guitarist Andrew Kyne really shines in a really catchy and playful way, which I appreciate. It’s such a simple, but fun song overall and stands out compared to its more serious material on the record.
We’re followed up with one of the deep cuts on the record, with “Some Kind of Magic”. This is a great example of this band locking in for a banger of a pop-rock song, it reminds me of The Maine and they somehow make it their own. It’s got such a bouncy chorus, I can see this one being a really fun track live for both the band and crowd. It’s impressive also just how pop-inspired their melodies are, and it’s showcased here in such a big way. It also makes for one of the more memorable tracks from the record.
Another deeper cut is followed, but it keeps with the vibe in the middle of the record with “Dance With Your Ghost”. Pop-rock vibes are continued to be had on this one, as it seems to work most on this record compared to their previous work. This one has a funkiness to it that actually keeps the variety flowing on this record in a nice way.
As we reach the remaining home stretch of the album, we jump back into the most recent single with “Don’t Leave Me In the Dark”. I think vocalist Collin Walsh‘s little moments on here vocally make it stand out in a great way, it feels slightly raw and charismatic at the same time. This track feels the most familiar to their most recent record, but in a way that feels like the best version of it. There’s just elements on here that really shine through, like the angelic vocals we hear during the bridge as we reach a hugely smooth key change. The lyrics are another standout on this one, as one that stuck with me is “All that I want for you is peace and sleep and sunlight on your face. Oh, I pray to God, I’m begging you to stay”. I also appreciate the last chorus being sung through a vocal filter as it fades out gracefully.
hen, we get probably the most beautiful sounding track on the entire record, with “Painting Over You”. This song is an example of a track with lyrics you can just visualize as you listen. The buildup throughout, to culminate in a full blown orchestral full band chorus is pretty masterful and impressive. It’s an easy highlight off this record, and it shows off just how good of musicians they are. From composition to the songwriting, it’s a masterclass for sure.
We reach the penultimate track and second single from the record, with “Mum II”. This contains the best lyrics of the record by a mile, as it acts as a sequel to their 2017 song “Mum”. It dives into the healing and continuously growing relationship of Collin and his mother. It truly shows off the growth songwriting wise for the vocalist, and it’s delivered beautifully in this ballad dedicated to his mom. I also appreciate and give a quick shoutout to the lyrical callbacks to the previous eras of this band, in celebration.
We reach the final track and first single of the record from two years prior, with “Not Afraid to Die”. I love the energy on this song, it really encapsulates the record we just heard in such a final way. The synth here especially works in favor of its rock elements on this track. It gives us a massive chorus for one final time, and a pretty kickass guitar solo too. I still get chills hearing that bridge go seamlessly into that last chorus. It’s one of their best songs period and it caps off this album in a wonderful way.
All in all, ‘The Hart’ by Grayscale is a prime example of what makes this band special. It collects all of their strengths they’ve learned on previous records and delivers us the best version of it here with a very solid record. And their songwriting especially is kept in tact as one of the more vulnerable and heart on your sleeve ones in the entire scene.