Grex are the duo of multi-instrumentalists/vocalists Karl A. D. Evangelista and M. Rei Scampavia Evangelista, the two blending elements of art-rock, jazz, pop, and psychedelia on their latest release Electric Ghost Parade. Though to be honest, that description doesn't quite harness the musical weirdness that's going on here fully. These two throw conventional song structures and melodies out the window, instead opting for a style that owes as much to Frank Zappa as it does to the B-52's, with healthy doses of 10CC, Can, and half of the Cuneiform label tossed in for good measure. In other words, this is offbeat, quirky, often times complex, dissonant, yet oddly fun music that won't appeal to everyone but deserves to be given a chance. Plenty of assorted noises, blips and beeps permeate some of the tracks, Rei's angelic vocals and twinkling piano bouncing around some occasional hot guitar work from Karl (as on "Feelin' Squiddy") and rumbling percussion. In fact, Evangelista's rampaging guitar solos on "Husk" are straight out of Zappa's '80s playbook, doing battle with some squonking horns and electric piano for some raucous free-jazz noise. "Saints" dances between funk, free-jazz, and King Crimson styled metallic prog, and the engaging "Transpiration" fuses together metal and jazz for a wild ride, Karl's lethal guitar licks packing plenty of thunder. "Mango Mango" again reminds of classic Frank Zappa, all the way down to the searing guitar solo over intricate rhythms...pretty impressive.
I can't pretend to say I understand everything Grex are trying to say here on Electric Ghost Parade, but as far as quirky, avant-garde original music goes, I give them loads of credit for putting together something this far out and miles removed from anything commercial sounding. Go in with an open mind and see what you think.
Track Listing
1.Quicksilver 4:14
2.TM26 2:47
3.Martha 5:24
4.Mal & Luma 6:04
5.Feelin' Squiddy 3:17
6.Husk 3:40
7.Round Trip 4:50
8.Saints 3:09
9.Quincy 4:10
10.Transpiration 6:29
11.Bad Cop 2:35
12.Mango Mango 7:40
13.Old Dogs 1:44
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