Michael Gross

Tales From A Country Home

(2008)

www.michaelgrossmusic.com

 

Michael Gross - Vocals, Guitar, Bass

Matthew Glass - Drums, Keys

Benjamin Johnson - Bass

Scott Jones - piano on tracks 2 & 8

~

All Songs written by Mike Gross

Recorded by Matthew Glass and Michael Gross

in various basements, bedrooms and dining rooms.

Mixed by Matt Glass

Artwork by Matt Glass

 "Michael Gross is by no means a timid performer. 'Novocain' is full of strength and guts. There's no hanging back here, the guitars ramp it up and the electronic tune slots perfectly over this triumph of a song.

'        Something Out Of Nothing' is a slower track where, although the ingredients are halved, the mixture once again rises to the occasion."

The Mag, April 2008

        "As a former member of the Brobecks and current member of similarly poppy Let’s Become Actors, it’s easy to believe that Michael Gross knows a scientific formula for catchy pop melodies—but you don’t have to be a scientician for all the songs from Tales from a Country Home to burrow themselves deep into your brain.

        Album opener “The End” establishes a somber mood by throwing quiet bass over an earnest drum beat, building throughout to become a dreamy pop explosion with hints of alt-country. Songs like “Something Out of Nothing” could easily have become sappy Guitar-Guy-at-college-party fare, but Gross throws in enough piano and whammy-bar solos to keep us starry-eyed with admiration.

        Although it’d be tempting to blow his load in sheer pop indulgence, Tales shows some uncanny restraint in the album’s highlight, “Novacain,” which feels like Gross pulled a rock anthem through a pasta strainer, stripping it of all cheesiness and catharsis. The final track “I’ve Got a Feeling,” showcases his songwriting at its finest/most vulnerable; a simple lo-fi guitar suddenly becomes tentative over an ominous string section. It’s the perfect emotional anchor to an otherwise-whimsical album."

-Salt Lake City Weekly. April 08