California band Idiot Grins have teamed up with The Byrd Sisters for their incredible 12-track album release ‘State of Health’. ‘State of Health’ showcases Idiot Grins’ signature blend of rock and soul tones, complemented perfectly by the sublime backing vocals of The Byrd Sisters, together with an all-star horn line-up led by the legendary John Bamont. Idiot Grins’ sound draws from an assortment of diverse influences, including Otis Redding, Tower of Power, Gram Parsons and The Rolling Stones, encompassing genres ranging from Americana and country rock to R&B. ‘State of Health’ follows on flawlessly from their two previously released albums; ‘Quarry’ and the critically acclaimed ‘Big Man’. Idiot Grins are John Hansen (lead vocals),Evan Eustis (bass, mandolin and vocals), Mike Conner (keyboards),Michael Melgoza (drums) and Randy Strauss (guitar).Collaborating on the latest album are The Byrd Sisters (Lena Byrd-Miles, Lisa Byrd and Lauren Byrd), a singing sibling trio with music in their blood, who’ve been performing together since 1992.
‘State of Health’ is an album that packs soul, blues and rock and roll into twelve swanky, slinky tracks. ‘Get Busy Dying’ kicks of the album doused in funky tones and strut like panache. Triumphant brass injections add a dash of warm vibrancy while lush backing vocals and smooth soul infested vocals flood the track with chicness and effortless cool swagger. The arrangements are lavish as delicious melodies weave and rebound off dynamic rhythms and passionate musicianship. ‘Frock’, ‘Build It’ and ‘That’s Some Funky Business’ continues this flamboyant flex and swanky display as they give you that spring in your step boastfully strutting down the street charisma that is just too infectious and feel good. ‘Philly Belly Cheesy’ is the sweet slow dance gem. It’s sway like tempo refreshed by the joyful brass blasts while the beautiful melody swoons you into a stupor. This album is easy on the ears yet laced in rich instrumentation as jangly keys hop and bop between elegant glides while the warm guitars stride and bounce between a vibrant rhythm. The soulful ‘Unkind’ is a sublime example of this as it shifts and changes seamlessly from gentle glides to animated hops adding a dash of shimmy to its slow tempo croon. ‘Televised’ provides a sultry swing to the album while ‘Take It Back’ jumps in with a tempo that makes you want to dance on a glorious hot summers evening party. The peppy melody in ‘Dream’ is insanely catchy and deliciously wistful while ‘Mama’s Tears’ and ‘Breath’ twang with country influences and melancholic tones. Each track flows fluidly into the next making the genre shift hardly noticeable right up to closing track ‘Big Starry Night’ which glimmers with a rock and roll suave and peppiness backed by a buoyant beat snapping along between sublime melodies and a shredding guitar solo.
Idiot Grins have created an album which is a joy to listen to, vibrant, strut ready and melodious. They have packed a lot into this album to make it a rich full bodied experience.
Stream ‘State of Health’ below
