“Look at that goofy smile! What’s this band called?”
“They’re called Idiot Grins.”
“Oh, so it’s not just a clever name.”
Sorry y’all, I’ve always wanted to insert a Wayne’s World joke into a music review, so now I can check that off the Bucket List. Thankfully, though, Idiot Grins are no Shitty Beatles. This veteran troupe of well traversed musicians has a new one out… and despite the name of their main single – “Not Reggae” – the album is an island inspired coastal indie record with quite a bit of traditional ska/reggae influence. With 11 strong tracks that feel equally inspired by the likes of Jimmy Buffett, Tom Jones, Weezer, Billy Joel, and the Skatalites, it’s a pleasant listening experience that will probably feel most appropriate for listeners sitting poolside with an ice cold adult beverage.
With their previous album being an Americana reinterpretation of a 1950s gospel classic, this new one – Hounds of Mess Around – certainly shows a different side of the band. While the reggae influence and beach bum vibe isn’t relegated to the ironically named “Not Reggae” (I’m personally quite drawn to the Toots-inspired organs and Beach Boys clap alongs in “Island”, myself) – the track seems to contiually be the one getting the most attention and play. This is for some good reason… the song is catchy as hell.
This is the fifth full length album Idiot Grins, so you can rest assured they are no one trick pony. Whether doing beach bum music, gospel, or various other brands of Americana and folk inspired pop rock tunes, Idiot Grins are a band that deserves more attention.
Check out the rest of the beach flavored pop rock album on Spotify today or follow the band on Facebook to check out more from them.
The post Island Vibes that are “Not Reggae”… or Are They? appeared first on ROCK THE PIGEON.