languagereviews:

NEW ALBUM REVIEW 

OLD GRAY - “An Autobiography”


Emo darlings, Old Gray, have finally released a full length after a spree of EP’s and splits (Including the monumental four way Topshelf Records Valentines Day Split with The Hundred Acre Woods, Julia Brown and Modern Baseball). This long working process has been completely justified  with the release of this debut LP, I am absolutely blown away.

On “An Autobiography”, Old Gray wear their influences proudly, and have drawn together with all the elements they have played with on their various releases. Twinkly emo, spoken word, post-rock, emotional hardcore and “The Wave” style post-hardcore/screamo all entwine here across 8 intense songs. Themes of dealing with mental illness, addiction, the break down of relationships and the fragility of love emerge through these songs, in bursts of stunning honesty which I could only compare to scene veterans Pianos Become The Teeth. 

An example which I found especially poignant comes from the song attached, “I Still Think About Who I Was Last Summer” 

No touch, no shadow cast into mind,
Your hand fervidly held at your side as memories of you flow through mine an empty space more lonesome for what it has lost.
You’re the sunset smile thundering out of a careless moment,
You’re the tightly closed fingers holding in a breath.
If you would stay here with me, one more minute, I would steal the world.


With this release, Old Gray have displayed an absolute grasp of the genres they adore, while still keeping everything fresh and engaging. “An Autobiography” represents a step into maturity for this band, claiming a place amongst the names to be counted and taken seriously. 

Congratulations gents, you’ve done something worth being proud of. 

THE SONG PLAYING IS: “I Still Think About Who I Was Last Summer” 
THE ALBUM IS AVAILABLE FROM: BANDCAMP (FOR FREE) and BROKEN WORLD MEDIA (FOR MERCH/12” COPIES)

A rather flattering review; thank you!