Elusive is the best adjective to describe Grails (a now four-piece outfit from Portland, Oregon) and their unique take on instrumental music. And while that might not sound like a good description, it only does so in the most accurate way; there is no other manner to ascribe the long passages of music which are created by a band that has seen a bit of lineup shuffling, including members literally disappearing, and somehow still maintaining a cohesive body of work that is most definitely the work of Grails. Take Refuge in Clean Living is the band's fourth proper album, following last year's Burning Off Impurities (courtesy of Temporary Residence), showcasing their unique musical vision, and even though it consists of just five songs, it is an immensely engrossing just over thirty minute long musical journey.
Right from the beginning with "Stoned at the Taj Again", Grails' use of a full spectrum of sounds and arrangements is clearly evident; this first track evokes an image of an incredibly hot daytime setting in a swamp or other extremely humid climate with its undulating rhythm and eastern sounding guitars weaving in and out of each other while the song progresses in such a way that one does not notice the time it takes to complete (it is that engrossing). Transitioning seamlessly into "PTSD", Grails takes the volume and intensity of the music back a bit which creates a pretty sound and calm mood that virtually sweeps across one's senses (this sounds like the soundtrack to relaxing) before the tension slowly builds with the addition of various instruments that all crowd around the aural sphere and then all leaving just as slowly to the sounds of crickets. Another seamless transition between songs leads the listener to "11th Hour," a track that is a bit hard to describe as it sounds like some strange new style of music which incorporates chamber music or medieval European dance music (a terrible description, but my mind's eye pictures European nobles doing weird dances while a harpsichord plinks away). "Take Refuge" combines several of the different timbres of sound found previously on Take Refuge in Clean Living while at the same time adding a more progressive (in the sense that there is forward movement or propulsion due to the percussion present) quality to the music. "Clean Living" leaves me with the impression that one is looking at the aftermath of some strange occurrence complete with spooky tones (provided via the usage of some sort of bells) and ominous drones; it closes the record just about perfectly with its volume swells and dynamic shifts.
Take Refuge in Clean Living exhibits a clear sophistication and speaks volumes to the musical capabilities of members of Grails. The songwriting is superb and actually passes much like the album is one long song or even non vocal opera that is split into movements rather than being a collection of individual pieces with separate motifs and themes. The album is truly exceptional other than the relative shortness while at the same time, Take Refuge in Clean Living certainly feels like the perfect length. Perhaps Grails just hit on an excellent album, and it simply leaves listeners wanting more music.
