The four members of Cambridge outfit Grieving clearly have a love of turn of the century emo. Comparisons to the likes of Jawbreaker, Braid and Mineral have been present since the band began to unveil each of the EP’s five tracks ahead of its full release. Yet ‘Demonstrations’ is far more than just a sum of these parts. Each of the tracks toy with their own effortlessly cool dimensions, be it the folk-rock spin on ‘My Friend, The Ghost’ or the dense grit of ‘Ownership’.
Far more than just a nostalgic trip down emo lane, Grieving balance the whimsical tones with heavier complexity. The foundations of ‘No Sleep’ could as easily be attributed to the British math-rock scene as it could to Grieving’s stateside counterparts. ‘Little Armoured’ demonstrates an understated minimalism that carries the type of punch celebrated by Future Of The Left and their ilk.
Through this ‘Demonstrations’ feels like a music lovers’ record. During its short running time it offers a whirlwind homage to a wealth of underground heroes, both celebrating and developing their longevity. Grieving are a reminder of all that was (and is) good in music, providing clear evidence of the ability to simultaneously reflect, respect and innovate.
BEN TIPPLE