Grady Spencer and the Griswulds: Music Review

Amber Riley
Pi Beta Phi

Music is a huge part of life in Austin. It consumes the culture, the entertainment and the vivacity of the city. The search for the best musicians around is a never-ending endeavor in The Live Music Capital of the World. I am constantly searching for up-and-coming, can’t-miss-out-on music makers; something that’s different enough to make me say, “Whoa, they’re actually really incredible” instead of “Yeah, they’re all right.” The band on the top of my list now you ask? Grady Spencer and the Griswulds, no contest.

Hailing from the Hub City Lubbock, TX, Grady Spencer and the Griswulds mix their alt-country style with a kick of blues. Spencer’s soothing croon is folk meets pop, a cosmic combo that brings his soulful lyrics to life while the talents of drummer David McDonald, bassist Geoff Lisch and lead guitarist Ryan Summers transport fans to the exact spot each song intends them to go. Whether it’s taking you “Home,” revealing a “Maneater” or bringing you to your feet with a unique mix of current covers, the Griswulds kill it every time.

Raised in Paducah, TX, Spencer, lead vocalist and guitarist, spent his high school days mimicking Jack Johnson. Soon after, The Black Keys added a bluesy vibe to his music. After playing around with hooks, chorus’ and stanzas for the past 10 years, it seems Spencer has finally got it down with the release of the band’s first album, Sunday’s Ships, last June (Spencer also has a solo album, The Seminole Optimists Club). The album, ranges from upbeat sing-along worthy tunes to ballads about losing friends and loving ladies. “Makin’ Me” is a personal favorite of mine. You might lose yourself in the rhythm, but the finality of the lyrics keeps you grounded and grinning with lines like “She’s the light to my dark/The lock to my key/So I’m going home to the girl who’s makin me.” When asked about upcoming music, Spencer is excited to record a single called, “Feelin’ Fine,” which he hopes to release on EP with a small collection of acoustic versions of already released material around April.

It seems that the Griswulds have found their niche playing intimate venues. I was lucky enough to stumble into a cozy wine bar in their hometown to hear the band doing their thing. A few songs in and I was hooked. Though their original songs can’t be beat, there is nothing like singing along to a song you already know, a feeling the band knows well. When asked what their favorite songs to cover are, Spencer chooses “Luckiest Man” by the Wood Brothers hands down, while other band favorites are John Mayer’s “Slow Dancing in a Burning Room” and “Achy Breaky Heart” by Billy Ray Cyrus. It was their rendition of Old Crow Medicine Show’s “Wagon Wheel” that was my guilty pleasure of the night.

The band’s unique flavor no doubt comes from their roots and their day jobs. In fact, it is hard to believe that Spencer, known to fans as “The Mustache Man,” works in construction, and his band mates fell into place via craigslist, mutual friends and a songwriting contest at a local bar. The band has made their mark playing shows in Lubbock and Ft. Worth and plans to branch out in the spring with shows around Texas. They might be Lubbock’s best kept secret right now, but it looks to me like Spencer’s dreams of “being able to keep the lights on from playing good music” is close to coming true in 2012. So put down your hammer Mustache Man! We want some more of your beautiful music!

Amber is a junior studying journalism. You may contact her at a.riles19@gmail.com.