Album Review

Gramercy Arms – Shining Bright

• 14th Dec 2009

Gramercy Arms have a mostly Pop sound, the lead track in particular with its upbeat melodies and catchy choruses sound a lot like the Zutons. The kind of song that will make you attempt a smile even if you don’t feel like it. Walking Around is slower and while it’s still good, the generic lyrics let it down slightly.

Fell Apart has a lot more of a folkier sound to it, the steel guitar adding some depth to the melodies. Combined with this the guest vocals of Joan as Police Woman make this by far the strongest song on the EP. Following this the Shining Bright Remix with its synth sounds and electronic drum beats sounds completely out of place and left me wondering why they didn’t have anything better to fill its place. The EP closes with a wistful sounding instrumental track. Grammercy Arms have a promising air about them, but this EP feels like it may have been trying a little too hard.