Grasp - “Summertime”

This band just seems to be getting better and better.

As has been noted before, they have been blasting out their addictive brand of rhythm and soul in one form or another since the days of Britpop. They have played at some of the key scene events such as a Mod Alldayer earlier this year. And on top of that they have made our lives that bit better with a selection of top singles.

classic initial singles

Look back at musical history and think of the sequence of classic initial singles. We can all name a few - and I’d suggest a worthy inclusion in the bracket for Grasp.

trademark crashing guitar

They first made those with an ear to the grapevine sit up and take notice last year with the excellent “Time To Go”. It was followed earlier this year with “Breaking Down The Walls”. Both featured the trademark crashing guitar, soulful rasping vocals and unmistakeable passion. Not forgetting my personal favourite - the live version of “I’ll Take You There”. Too darn soulful.

sumptuous chords

They follow it up with their best yet. “Summertime” is a soulful song from the heart. “I need to break away from the scene I need to get inside me, I need some time to take hold I need some time to be free….now I long for the summertime“ sings vocalist Andy Taylor. And how many soul stylists stuck in the mundanity of suburbia and another day in the office won’t have felt the same. Its all put together with sumptuous chords, incessant rhythms, throbbing bass. A guitar signature that gets inside your head. And a psychedelic vibe that wouldn’t be out of place on the likes of “Revolver”.

These boys have got what it takes to make the breakthrough and bring the UK’s beat revolution to a wider audience. Those with taste should go out and buy this record now. If this is what they can achieve in three singles I’m counting the days until an album.

Rob Massey..Menu