The entire package presented here is associated with beer. The name Final Gravity is a term used in brewing beer, the CD cover is a picture of the bottom of a wooden keg carved with ingredient symbols, and the band bio will not let you forget how much the band enjoys beer, even going as far as describing each band member and their talents with words like “malty,” “bitter,” and “ferments.” It’s a bit cheesy. The important thing though is the band really likes beer. So do I guys, we get it.

Besides the bands love for the juice, their love for classic hard rock and prog rock is undeniable as well. As soon as you put this self-titled release in the first thing that comes to mind is Rush, Yes, and even the Rolling Stones and Metallica, all presented in a modern, cumbersome approach. With a description like that you’d think this is the best thing to hit the scene since squeeze mayo. For a debut, self-released CD this isn’t bad, but there is room for improvement. The most exciting thing to me is the guitar solos, which are definitely stellar along with the bass playing.

The progressive nature of the band definitely stands out with odd time and vocal changes. Bill Moore (PhD and assistant professor at UCLA I might add) has a wide vocal variety ranging from the gruffness of James Hetfield to the wide open styles of Geddy Lee. The band is tight and everything is put together pretty decent with some catchy songs that have good hooks and fetching chorus lines. The technicality is by no means at the level of the masters mentioned earlier, but for a debut effort this is pretty unique. It surely isn’t something I hear a lot of bands trying to do this day in age, yet this is a totally accessible sound that has radio potential.

Final Gravity took me by surprise with their sound. At first I was turned off, particularly because I just like my music heavier, but the end result emerges as something that fans of melodic hard rock/metal will definitely like. Take a gander at Final Gravity’s debut and hear for yourself.

Oh, and shit I almost forgot…DRINK BEER!!

By: Shane Wolfensberger
www.finalgravityband.com

[Visit the band's website]

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