Dave McGrath by Dave McGrath

Ammant- Independent Music Critic

@*@*@* SPIROGRATH *@*@*@

Remember how a Spirograph picture ALWAYS looked unique and recognizable no matter what size or shape wheel was inserted, or which color pen you would include to add flair to it ... the design always came out as some wild, far-out creation. That is the patented magic unique creations will always have the ability to bring forth. Dave McGrath is, similarly, a unique musician with the uncanny ability to carry HIS SOUND with him through to all projects he is a part of. In this incarnation he has released his first official solo album in his very own (Rochester, NY - better check nearby foundations for cracks) home studio, and it is an amazing piece of work. Dave has learned his lessons well from years of playing with kick ass rock bands like The Puddle Jumpers in Seattle (and releasing three top quality albums with them) and Tribal Therapy, playing around the Northwest for a few years (that I unfortunately missed). Now he is front and center with his own album. His ability in the recording studio is very apparent with intricate and lush layers of rippin' guitar leads/rich acoustic guitar foundations, along with the great supporting musicians additions - the spiroGRATH cogs all combine in a fascinating spin of musical beauty, but still thoroughly recognizable as Dave's trademark sound (The Puddle Jumpers were kind of doomed when he left since his additions were so fundamental to the sound, no replacement could be found). None of the lines stray and the final product is ready to be placed front and center where it should be. Turn it up on a nice system and the depth of the sound pulls you right in and sounds incredible, really RICH. Congratulations Dave and the band, this is quite an accomplishment.

The song-writing on the album has a good few years of reflection, changes and dreams well-represented. And Dave writes some great, hooky choruses while often bangin' you with his signature tight, toneful guitar anthems and soaring harmonies (check out Best of Me, Alone and Found it - that is the McGrath sound I remember - soaring chord progressions over tone-rich leads). Songs like Float and No Reason highlight some great fingerstyle guitar with harmonious vocals ... Dave has a very soothing voice (and it is so sad if he lost a brother ... the song is heart-breaking). Southern Blues/rock, kind of in a Skynyrd/Doobies mode is a fun diversion on a couple of songs (e.g., 55 & Mississippi Mud), and one I'm very comfortable with since I grew up near the river in St. Louis and southern rock is a staple there. I have always noticed a bit of that in his sound for sure. The other guitarist listed, Pat Petrone, supports the songs well. Maybe they are twin sons of different mothers ... I'm not always sure which guitar part is which, they have a similar sound (I have seen Dave's champagne taste in musical equipment on stage before, he doesn't scrimp - only the best). The liquid energy tone on the guitars is an effective head clearer, you may now throw out the brandy snifter - TURN IT UP!. Can't Wait is a good example of it all played out: "I think it's time that we get moving, Get back to what we started, Not playing is worse than losing"; The two guitar sounds in a wall of thunder, the hooky chorus with reflective lyrics - A radio hit is born. One Chance is another rocker (even with the love song theme) with a catchy hook that seems very radio friendly - Dave has a serious knack for memorable melodies. The guitars, AGAIN, stand out in a big way, and the singing additions of Alicia Groth really adds something to the song and the album. I have to say, You Are is one of my favorites at this early stage, for the softer side of the album. It has a nice jazzy flavor with string bass, a bit of orchestration, and very pretty guitar. Tempers is a wonderful song with a great message: " For gold and silver we've grown obsessed, These crimes of nature we must confess, Endangered species that find no rest, Do you know that I've preserved you". Like Found It (third song), the thoughts expressed feel like something floating through your own subconscious (I've been feeling this way myself with recent world events). Almost Made It is a great closer, kind of sad but hopeful ... I wonder what he is really talking about? The instrumentation is just beautiful, and more stripped down, but still very full sounding.

It would be interesting to me if his progressive undertones and technical ability (he is a guitarist's guitarist, but being polite to his usual listening audience perhaps - many don't have patience for extended length songs or intense guitar work) would find a home in at least one longer song per album, for guitar playing fans like me. Of course, his songs will "take him where they take him" - just a bit of wishful thinking. If you haven't heard of Dave McGrath, take a chance on this. If you've heard him already you won't need convincing. This is one of America's more promising and unique guitarists and recording artists. I'll spare you comparing him with many of my other favorite guitar player/musicians since he really has a style all of his own. It would be a shame if his music doesn't get the exposure it deserves - HELP SPREAD THE WORD, DAVE (AND THE BAND) ROCKS! And I hear another solo album is in the works ... I'M THERE!

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