Nasty Fancy

When you first hear Canton band The Grand Revision’s debut EP, Ursa Lux, you might wonder if their name is supposed to be ironic. Such a polished and refined first release seems as though it needs no revision. The guys would disagree. But I think we can all agree that artists generally feel this way about their work: It can always be better. Nonetheless, it is a remarkable seven-song collection, so Nasty Fancy decided to give you all a little review of the album and some little tidbits about the five-piece.

The album opens with “Asleep with the Reckless,” a track that poses a beautiful introduction to vocalist Sam Shaffer’s distinct voice. But the track that best showcases Shaffer’s voice, in my opinion, is “Heat.” Maybe I love it so much because I’m a sucker for harmonies, but there’s no denying that “Heat” sounds good to my ears.

It is not just the vocals that make this band though. They can play their instruments well, and their chemistry comes alive in their songs. But, that’s to be expected of a band that’s been together for three years, and that’s been jamming together long before that. Back to the EP, the boys pick up the pace a little in “Rainbow Trout.” I find this track to be the best instrumentally, but to be honest, I had a hard time choosing favorite tracks on this album. Like I said before, it is very polished for a first release, and I can only imagine they’ll get better.

Let’s talk about some lyrics. Nasty Fancy caught up with the band sans Cody Lindenman, The Grand Revision’s new drummer. We had a nice little chat about the album, and I was surprised to find out the guys didn’t really have too much of a concept for the album. Even if they didn’t have one, a certain theme stuck out to me. From the song titles, to the images Shaffer paints with lyrics, the whole album has a sense of nature and love, and how both can go in multiple directions. For example, in the song “Heat” Shaffer says  ”A new taste sells its affection/ to one with no sense of direction.” My interpretation may be wrong but I feel as though Shaffer is talking about when you meet someone new, but you may have no idea where it will go. The Grand Revision smoothly flows through this entire album like they do know where they’re going, but leaving a sense of wonder to its listeners. And its listeners can’t wait to hear more.

The Grand Revision is Sam Shaffer (guitar/vox), Cole Taylor (guitar/vox), Tucker Parsons (guitar), Zach Barnard (bass) and Cody Lindenman (drums). Sam, Cole and Zach have been a part of the band since its beginning, but Tucker and Cody are new additions. Both were not recorded on the Ursa Lux EP.

Some of their influences include Colour Revolt, Beach House, David Bazan, Radiohead and Fleet Foxes. There are no definite plans for a full-length yet, but the guys say they are constantly writing songs and picking out the ones they want to keep. Maybe for a full-length? I sure hope so.

You can catch them at the Auricle in Canton Oct. 15 with The Lonely Forest, Bethesda and Asha Dearest.