Grandson - a modern tragedy vol. 1 (2018)

×

Grandson - a modern tragedy vol. 1 (2018)

Close

A Modern Tragedy, Vol. 1, a record full to the brim with emotionally and politically harsh lyrics layered over electro-alternative music. Although generally grouped into the alternative genre, grandson’s sound expands further than that, taking in influence from trap, hip-hop, and electronic. Despite the obvious reliance on electronic tones, A Modern Tragedy still manages to put out some tasty guitar licks as well as some mellow chord progressions in the slower moments of the album. Mostly playing along with the melodies of the six string, the trap-like bass enhances the riffs with a fuller production. Yes, with such bass comes some predictable musical techniques like bass drops, yet the execution of such manages to keep it rather entertaining. What really makes A Modern Tragedy stand out, however, is its lyrical themes. Jordan Benjamin’s semi-aggressive vocals fuel such political attacks and troubling situations. Ranging from blaming politicians for a man’s “Stick Up” or the media’s abuse of showing the general public extreme moments to even a cry out of a man stuck in a sick drug cycle, grandson’s lyrics provoke listeners to consider such extreme, yet important topics often ignored in music nowadays. Combining all of these aspects together, grandson craft together a solid debut of modern tragedies, yet failing at times to maintain interest for more than a few playthroughs, only leaving listeners wishing for more rather than being fully satisfied entirely.

by Tyler W, sputnikmusic.com