The Dirty Grand might have the moves of late night gyrating and PBR binges baked into their dance-ready rock anthems, but a more attentive listen reveals the group’s disposition as closer in style to reflective, after-hours groups like Destroyer and The Weeknd. Beyond the novelty of carving out a place equal parts electronica and post-punk, Dirty Grand also displays a deep cynicism, providing an unsettling backdrop to their urban meditations. Listening to barnburner ‘Roman’ for instance, I’m not sure if the party’s ended or just spun a bit out of control. But this kind of anxiety suits these NY vets well. The trio includes Lou Reed’s touring guitarist and the former members of BM Linx working through some hard learned lessons, while staying out too late for their own good. And what could be more New York than that? See the band at their sophomore EP’s Release Party at Cameo on Tuesday, March 27 with Warsonic. – Mike Levine
