I had not heard that the bassist of Port O’Brien, Caleb Nichols, had left the band to take on a new musical avenue with a new band, Grand Lake. It’s true. And the great news is Grand Lake is something special. The physical release of their new EP, Nevermint (out on 500 Records) is slated for the end of April (the digital is out now). The EP is carried by Nichols sweet voice and delivery. There’s a good flow between country roots styles and bands like the Pixies and Arcade Fire – the build ups between soft moments and loud ones are powerful. Also the times when Nichols and Erika Pipkin (keys) take turns on vocals are exceptional (“She’s A Hater”). What really sells it for me is Jameson Swanagon’s guitar work. It’s twangy one moment, wild and expressive the next, and blissful at other times. It complements Nichols very well. Grand Lake is definitely a band to keep an eye out for when they roll through your town.
mp3: Grand Lake – Concrete Blonde On Blonde
mp3: Grand Lake – She’s A Hater
he wasn’t the lead singer. he played bass. and this band sucks.
he sure did. i’ll make the change…but i rather like them.