Howling Gruel – Jolly Jape [LP]

"Wormwood Grasshopper is very proud to release the debut LP by Hobart (now Hobart/Melbourne) group Howling Gruel. And for our convenience, the reviews are already rolling in...

"Howling Gruel are a Hobart band with two ex-Hammering the Cramps members, largely swapping out the latter’s moody seismological guitars for sweeping, flailing, droning keyboards. Their first LP, entitled Jolly Jape, is out now on Wormwood Grasshopper. Tracks like "Vladimir Investigates" and “Lady Puzzle” bounce and strum along much like other vintage acts from the Oceanic region, but stumble and fall on the cleared path, simultaneously aligning themselves with a loaded lineage and shaking off the shackles. Conversational vocals only hint at a melody, reminiscent of Russell Walker’s work with the Pheromones and the Bomber Jackets. Occasionally a song splits wide open, as on “Just Like Honey, Pt. 2,” the added urgency of the ensemble revealing a whole new vaulted sky under which the band stands alone. Singular, exciting stuff that can be had from Little Big Chief right now."

Pressed on random colour vinyl, mastered by Matt Earle, artwork by Karl von Bamberger."

Wormwood Grasshopper, 2015