Returning to some of the now ‘classic’ pop music forms, from classic rock to classic soul/R&B is now becoming a well-refined art. There is a wealth of recorded material and if you digest all the good influences, present them as well as possible, adding some touches that either shouldn’t belong there or are something of your own, you just might be on the right track of coming up with some good, good, music.
That is exactly the track Oaklands’ quintet Idiot Grins have been doing so far on their previous four albums, starting with their first one back in 2012.
Now, with their fifth album, Hounds of Mess Around (Evan Eustis – Bass, mandolin, backing and lead vocals, Michael Conner – keyboards, strings, clavinet and synths, John Hansen – lead vocals and backing vocals, Michael Melgoza – drums, Randy Strauss guitars) they have simply honed down their sound of brass-driven R&B and soul with touches of roots rock and ska, a blend that seems to work quite well for them.
The sounds Idiot Grins come up with have been around for decades, but that is not the point here – the band has embraced those sounds so well and has made them completely their own, coming up with a blend that can suit so many listeners seeking music that can simply soothe their soul at any point.
