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Gravel:
Self-Titled EP
Gravel is a trio from the mean streets of Long Island, NY. Okay, so maybe the streets aint so mean for these boys, but they are from the Island and they do hit hardmusically speaking. Playing out for several years has finally led Steve Cauchi (vocals/bass), Matt Ward (drums/vocals) and Alain Giardina (guitar) to the recording of their demo. This four-song EP plays out over a ferocious sixteen minutes or so and blatantly says were loud and we rock turn it up. Gravel is not reinventing the hard rock wheel or anything but for anyone who is a fan of heavier music that treads in and out of the land of metal, Gravel is the band. Their songs have got the heavy bass line perfected, which can be a bit much sometimes but not so bad that its a ruiner. The guitar and drums are huge and the vocals sincere. My only criticism is that the vocals could be rougher, like yelling or pleading. That would bring an extra bit o fury to this well-tuned machine. Perhaps the singer is too well-trained for this brand of rock? His vocal prowess suggests he may be better suited for something else. And no, I dont know what that might be, but it is no matter because Gravel is seemingly where his passion is, so be it. The third track Enemy is my favorite, at first because the guitar sounded a bit like Jesus Built My Hotrod; but then it doesnt and the song is still good. Binge is also a great song with eerie, echoing vocals in the backdrop giving the song depth and emotion. This development comes towards the end of the song when there is an epic break in the flow as if to suck you back in, lest you became distracted. Or maybe they just thought it sounded bitchin. Having seen these guys play live, I will say that I wouldnt think this recording was them if someone hadnt told me. Well, almost. To be honest, I havent seen them play in awhile, and I dont know these new songs on the EP. The recording is just so huge that it casts the band in a different light. A good recording like this is worth every freakin penny.
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