GRIFTER – ‘The Return Of The Bearded Brethren’
Yes, this is indeed rough and rugged, deep and dark and rather dirty riff- and groove-rock that is
I usually pay attention when a band or musician I like makes a music recommendation, so when the guys in Death Ape Disco recommended I give UK-band Grifter a listen a while back, I followed their advice. Turns out they knew what they were talking about. Grifter plays what the band enticingly calls “kick ass heavy rock and roll” and “Burt Reynolds music!!!!”. Who can resist that description, am I right? And if “Burt Reynolds music” means music with facial hair AND hair on its chest, then it’s rather accurate. (Confession: I don’t usually grow that much facial or chest hair, but after repeated listens to this album, I might have to consider shaving!)
Yes, this is indeed rough and rugged, deep and dark and rather dirty riff- and groove-rock that is very, very intoxicating. Kind of like a few pints of really good beer: it’ll give you a buzz, and put a smile on your face.
The band quotes influences like Black Sabbath, Clutch, Mountain, AC/DC and Led Zeppelin, so obviously these are three guys with great taste. And they know how to make tunes that pull you in and rock you right down to your guts and marrow.
The Return Of The Bearded Brethren is an absolute rock and roll pleasure. Starting off with the heavy throbbing heat of ‘Black Gold’ – with its massive guitar-weight just rattling your chest; through the crazy-good-wicked groove of 
‘Princess Leia’; and the ripping, tearing, rocking riff-, bass- and drum-power of “Fire Water”; all the way to the end… this album satisfies at every turn.
Other standout tracks, apart from the ones I already mentioned, include ‘Paranoiac Blues’ with its rich and thick guitar-twang and bluesy heft; the fast and fierce title track (a rather awesome band-anthem); and the slightly warped and tripped out final cover-track ‘Fairies Wear Boots’.
This album is a delicious, rich, deep dish of tasty rock and roll, cooked up by a band that plays with conviction and skill, as well as confidence and swagger. Grifter is a band with real personality, and it’s no surprise to read online that since starting out in 2003, they’ve toured with Orange Goblin, and played Bloodstock and Hard Rock Hell, alongside acts like Slayer, Airbourne, and Black Star Riders.
Return Of The Bearded Brethren was released in 2014 by Ripple Music, and it is highly recommended. Whether you want to grow hair on your chin and chest or not, you should definitely check out Grifter.
Grifter Website / Facebook / Twitter
Track-list:
- Black Gold
- She Mountain
- Paranoiac Blues
- Princess Leia
- Bow Down To The Monkey
- Braggard’s Boast
- It’s Not Me, It’s You
- Fire Water
- The Return of the Bearded Brethren
- Fairies Wear Boots
Lineup:
- Ollie: vocals, guitar
- Phil: bass
- Foz: drums
Maria Haskins’ Real Rock And Roll: Website / Twitter / Facebook
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