What's Eating Gilbert Grape - A Blue Image

What’s eating Gilbert Grape – A Blue Image

What an album! When I looked at the artwork, I thought to myself have I got Blind Melon on my hands, or is this going to be Smashing Pumpkins re-incarnated. I can safely say, not only do they exceed the sounds of the two aforementioned bands, they throw in some Jane’s Addiction and some Hawkwind trippy vocal arrangements which make this album nothing short of perfection. I couldn’t believe I had never heard of this band, despite this being released back in 2007. An absolute travesty that ‘Gilbert Grape are not bigger. From the moment the first track started and the wailing guitars entered, I knew I was going to be in for a treat. The instrumental sections are truly inspirational and I only wish more bands could generate this sound, but then again its refreshing to hear a band not only produce it, but nail it beat for beat. Track one instantly thunders to a total track time of 8 minutes 11 seconds and each second is worth the hearing, with no lazy repetitive sections which most bands use to pad out, oh no, not with these guys. Track two did remind me of Blind Melon and actually I know Gilbert Grape could create one of the best cover songs if they want too (perhaps just a personal request there!). One thing I am incredibly happy about is that this band are from the UK (hallelujah) – a band that I’m actually proud to say comes from England. So needless to say you have to get hold of a copy of this album, because not only would you be doing yourself a favour, but also your neighbours when you blast it out on top volume! This is a band that let the music do the talking and I want to hear more of these guys in the future.

Check out their MySpace for more information.

What’s Eating Gilbert Grape are:

Tom Hart: Vox/Guitar/Sitar/Cello
Adam Manuel: Drums/Djembe/Keyboard/Percussion/Vox
Jon Bishop: Guitar/Ebow/Vox
Nick Stacey: Bass/Vocals