Grails (band)

Grails are an American instrumental rock band from Portland, Oregon. Their sound brings to mind bands like Dirty Three, Godspeed You! Black Emperor, Faust, Gong and Pink Floyd.

Biography

Initially the band 'Laurel Canyon' (guitarist Alex Hall, drummer Emil Amos (also of 'Holy Sons') and second guitarist Paul Spitz) formed to play one show on a whim. Following a positive reaction to the band, local musicians Timothy Horner (violin) and Bill Slater (piano/bass) were asked to join the group to record their first EP. The band then released two self-financed EPs in 2000 and 2001. Paul Spitz left the US to travel in Turkey and Zak Riles joined as guitarist, often playing more of an acoustic role. In 2002 Hall sent a promotion CD to Neurot Recordings who were quickly convinced of the band's potential. In 2003 the band changed its name to Grails, just before the release of their first full-length album. They adopted a louder, more aggressive style, often switching instruments with each member writing songs that saw them branching out to increasingly disparate styles. By the time the 'Black Tar Prophecies' series was released Timothy Horner had literally disappeared and the band carried on with only 4 players. For the duration of 2006 the group utilized Portland percussionist Ben Nugent, allowing Amos to switch between guitar and drums for tours and the recording of a still unreleased EP. They returned to a 4-piece in '07.

Grails formerly only toured Europe but have focused on the East Coast of the United States for the last couple years. They live in Portland but rarely play live in their hometown. The various members stay busy with several different projects. Hall has played guitar with Steve Von Till of Neurosis, Amos has played drums with Jandek, produced for Yellow Swans and releases solo records under the name 'Holy Sons', Riles has toured as 2nd guitarist for M. Ward, and Nugent has drummed with Dolorean and Holy Sons. In 2007 Grails released "Burning off Impurities" with Temporary Residence.

Discography

The Burden of Hope (CD/LP, Neurot Recordings/Robotic Empire, 2003/2006)
Red Light (CD/LP, Neurot Recordings/Robotic Empire, 2004/2006)
Latitudes (2005)
Interpretations of Three Psychedelic Rock Songs from Around the World (CD-EP, Southern Records, 2005)
Black Tar Prophecies Vol. I (Split 12" with Red Sparowes, Robotic Empire, 2006)
Black Tar Prophecies Vol. II (12", Aurora Borealis, 2006)
Black Tar Prophecies Vols. 1, 2 and 3 (CD, Important Records, 08/2006)
Burning Off Impurities (CD/LP, Temporary Residence, 2007)

External links

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