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

Credits

 

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