It is always interesting to see an offshoot of a prolific rock band attempt to forge new identities and find new sounds. What is even more interesting is the case with Nick Cave's new band, Grinderman, which is composed solely of people who are also regular contributors in his other band, Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds.
In Grinderman's debut self-titled album, listeners have the privilege (depending on your opinion) of letting Cave call more of the shots, as he steps up his guitar playing and stands out overall more than usual.
Though the middle-aged Cave is an Australian living in England, upon a quick listen, he still achieves his ultra-American, dark blues-rock sound. Many fans are simply fascinated with his personal life, as he has battled several addictions and somehow always lands on his feet - and it shows through in the tone and content of his songs.
The album as a whole might be a bit shaky and inconsistent, but the first two tracks, which happen to be the first singles, start "Grinderman" out with a bang. "Get It On" is an aggressive, high energy track with a driving, perhaps even grinding, guitar reminiscent of Iggy and the Stooges that glides over a more funky bongo drum- and piano-accompanied gracefulness, interrupted every four measures by an abrasive thump on a second guitar. The lyrics seem a bit disjointed, but do contain some amusing one-liners, including one about a guy who drank panther piss and then slept around.
Next up is "No Pussy Blues," which at first could be taken one of two ways. Rather than asserting his manly blues as opposed to "pussy blues" he's got the "no pussy blues" in the same way that some have the no money blues or the midterm blues. This type of blues may seem unusual, but that's probably because we're so used to hearing about the "too much pussy blues" from the bulk of mainstream artists. When you're as old and creepy-looking as Cave, perhaps even a guitar solo and fake American accent aren't enough to rake in the ladies. One still can't help but lament as Cave growls, "I combed the hairs across my head/ I sucked in my gut and still she said that she just didn't want to."
Grinderman's dark, stripped-down approach works well at first, but grows especially tiresome in the fourth track "Grinderman" (yes, that's the song "Grinderman" off the album "Grinderman" by the band Grinderman). As the equivalent of a rock ballad, the guitar, the only instrument making an appearance, has too simple a rhythm over whiny vocals that are also too simple to hold the listener's interest for more than a few seconds.
Fortunately, Cave and the rest of the band follow that dreary track with "Depth Charge Ethel," which is almost as high energy as "Get It On," but is certainly more bright, injecting several "woohoos" here and there. The listener is then reminded that Cave's uniquely appetizing sound is not created by him droning along by himself, but only when his vocals are backed up by a tight, catchy guitar riff with the distortion knob turned to 11.
A third style emerges later on with "Set Me Free" which in lieu of vocals or guitar is finally driven by a bright bass line. Though the lyrics seem boring and uninspired, their simplicity paves the way for more guitar solo opportunities. Since Grinderman is best described as a garage band, such a song is essential. They do not dwell on the low energy for too long, though, as they follow it up with the organ heavy "Honey Bee (Let's Fly to Mars)" which comes dangerously close to crossing into the realm of pop music. The fact that it's hidden deep in the album underneath more harsh bluesy songs makes it seem more experimental than anything else.
For a stripped-down incarnation of the Bad Seeds, Grinderman really proves that they have the ability to throw in everything they've got, both in terms of instruments and energy. If you've followed Nick Cave in the past, "Grinderman" is a must-listen, and if you've read along this far, your curiosity is well-founded. It's far from perfect, but the band's debut album has a unique sound worthy of putting the band among the garage band elite.
