From the revolution-toned language of their website and press kit, it seems that the “Great Leaders” of the Greycoats are mobilizing a grassroots army to invade your hearts and ears. They already infiltrated television in January by having “Watchman, What Is Left of the Night?” featured on Gossip Girl. Resistance may, indeed, be futile.
But when you listen to Setting Fire to the Great Unknown, their self-released debut full-length, you find the 11 tracks are more battle-weary than battle-ready. For me, whose coming of age soundtrack consisted of war protest songs, it’s a sad realization that these are protest songs for yet another war and that another generation of young people will have their entire lives marked by it.
This broad, global theme is made personal in the lyrics, which navigate a wartime maze of idealism (”Revenge”), unexpected love (”Goodbye, Sweet Youth, Goodbye”), betrayal (”An Echo In the Dark”), and physical and spiritual wounds until his protagonist begs “Make Me Like the Moon” (distant, cold, empty?) and he finally questions the reasons for fighting (”Monarch Wings”) and falls into despair (”Watchman, What Is Left of the Night”). The story arc completes with redemption (”Spiritual”) and hope for peace (”Not Afraid”). I especially like how the old sailor’s rhyme Red sky by night, sailor’s delight/Red sky by morning, sailor take warning is incorporated into “Watchmen.” It’s a nice touch that adds to the tone of despondency and impending doom in that song.
Musically, the album’s earnest, melodious style is reminiscent of Keane, Muse, and Elbow. Jon Reine’s vocals, especially his falsetto, further underline the similarity. The beauty of this album makes it a pleasure to listen to, and I can strongly recommend.
The Greycoats from Setting Fire to the Great Unknown (2008):
Goodbye, Sweet Youth, Goodbye
Watchman, What is Left of the Night?
Photo at top, from left: Jon Reine, Titus Decker, Matt Patrick, and Mike Smith
MySpace | Website | Label: Surprisingly unsigned!
Buy at Amazon.com, iTunes, and eMusic
- alt-gramma (371)
- indie.mom (395)
- Uncle T (7)
he has quite the lovely voice. slightly reminiscent of the guy from shearwater, too.
March 23rd, 2009 at 9:29 am
Excellent write-up and review! Thanks for the introduction to the Greycoats!
March 23rd, 2009 at 9:13 pm
Thanks to both of you! Some bands and albums, like this one, are inspiring and make the writing easy.
March 26th, 2009 at 8:54 am
Hello
By accident I came by your site. I simply just have to by this CD. I have listened to the music on amazon and enjoy it. I can see that the original release date missed my birthday ( 28.09.61) with one day.
April 3rd, 2009 at 8:36 am
Well, it’s a really good CD. You have the same name as the singer of the Greycoats?
April 3rd, 2009 at 10:35 am
thanks for the write-up and the kind words.
you are the workers capable of moving the hearts of the people.
to clarify, the above comment was NOT from the singer of GRYCTS.
this one is…. though, we appreciate the support.
maybe someone googled their own name?
long live the republic!
the great leader
jon reine
April 7th, 2009 at 5:27 pm
Thank you so much, Jon Reine, the true great leader of the Greycoats, for visiting Speed of Dark! Thanks for making such great music too. Long live the republic!
April 7th, 2009 at 6:59 pm