Golden Age, Grandchildren’s follow-up to the band’s 2010 debut LP Everlasting, is the type of album that immediately grabs your attention. As the electro-acoustic outfit systematically builds layers of instrumentation, the six-piece adeptly finds a balance between their chant-like harmonies and groove-generating percussive nature.
Co-produced by Man Man drummer Chris Powell and Bill Moriarty (Man Man, Dr. Dog, Hoots & Hellmouth, etc.) and released via Ernest Jennings Record Co., Golden Age creates an uplifting, wakeful state with the record’s opener – appropriately titled “Sunrise,” while its title track “Golden Age” follows nicely as once again the groove is masterfully woven into an orchestrated sound that highlights the members’ surreal ability to approach complexity with a listener-friendly mentality. Album standout “No Way Out” begins with a darker key-created tone before falling into a deep bass/percussion groove. Aleks Martray’s acoustic guitar adds texture before multi-instrumentalist Tristan Palazzolo’s brass work blasts through and comfortably finds its place. Grandchildren lulls the listener into a Hawaiian, tropical dream-like state with the intro to “Where’s the Knife” before transforming what seems to be a rather sinister line on paper into a charmingly beautiful chorus. “Forward” is one of those songs that seems to sneak up on you with its artillery marching style percussion, serving as a catalyst while opening the doors to the band’s instrumental playground with bright horns, spacey synths and slick guitars – all fitted into a tight, organic package without feeling heavy or overly crowded.
With Golden Age, Grandchildren displays the power and strength that thoughtfully creative pop music can carry. It’s both an album that digs deep into their capable musical arsenal and still maintains a highly energetic cruising flow. – Michael Colavita