There are few artists out there anymore that transcend. The type of artists that used to take you away from the mundane of the everyday, and deliver you into spaces of passion, emotion and soul. With the harmonies of their voice and the magic behind their music they wouldn’t just create songs; they created worlds. Mike Grutka has created such a world, and it’s called Ria.
The Tracks:
Top Of The World – This first track off of Ria introduces listeners to Mike Grutka’s gruff yet smooth voice. At times, particularly during this track, it sounds very much like Tom Petty fussed with R.E.M.’s Michael Stipe. It’s sweet with just a hint of a twang. The result is unique enough that it acts as a crucial cornerstone for the entire album and could either make or breaks most tracks. Luckily Mike Grutka’s voice vastly makes most of the tracks on this album. With “Top of the World” in particular it turns a simple pop melody in the vein of The Beatles’ “Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da” into an alternative/folk track that would make Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers proud.
Denver (Spinning Around) – Deserves to be the one that makes Mike Grutka a household name. It’s not a song of breakout moments, but it doesn’t need them. With catchy hooks that sink in deep and a rhythm similar to R.E.M.’s hit “Shiny Happy People,” this song has single written all over it.
Sunshine – With this track Grutka explores a more 80’s synth sound. While this exploration of sound seems to work with its ethereal qualities, it doesn’t quite fit his style like the alternative genre tracks. Still, he presents some incredibly haunting vocals on this track that are worth hearing again and again.
Standing Beside Me – This track has a bit of a rough start, but once it finds it’s footing it’s a solid song with smooth feel-good vibes that again seems to draw from the early days of R.E.M.’s career. It’s not a particularly exciting track, but it does continue the general joyous mood felt throughout Ria.
Come With Me – Mike seems to effortlessly flow between the more alternative/folk stylings of bands like The Jayhawks and the ethereal elegancy of The Verve. The ease of which he can switch between the two is impressive to say the least. “Come With Me” in particular touches on the more sublime side of The Verve. It’s a very dreamy song that almost feels like a modern day lullaby, only this song won’t be putting you to sleep anytime soon.
The Sea – In essence this track feels like a progression of “Come With Me.” The guitar is simply amazing. It’s orchestral by nature but has a pop/rock flair. It should be noted that throughout this album the instrumentals consistently deliver rich soundscapes that effortlessly establish the mood of each song, though with this song in particular the music is simply mind-blowing. It reaches far beyond the ear and touches the soul.
Goodbye – With this track Mike Grutka’s voice takes on a more John Lennon quality, which is fitting since the melody is very similar to Lennon’s “Mother.” It’s a slow song though, that is perhaps a bit too slow. The music is superb and vocals are spot on for this type of song, but about halfway through this six minute track it begins to grow tiring. Perhaps if the song were shorter it would have worked better.
Actress – With sweet music box melodies, you can’t help but smile while listening to this track. Mike Grutka is a master of setting mood, especially uplifting ones. This track just proves that. It’s a song of innocence, charm and nostalgia.
Everything – Repetitive style becomes a bit too repetitive with this track. It is catchy, but verges on annoying at times. Mood wise it succeeds in that the song feels very rushed and on-the-go. That mood just doesn’t translate well for the listener.
Same Thing – This track touches on Mike Grutka’s alternative/folk roots, but keeps the 80′s synths of other tracks. The synths probably should have been more reserved if not completely left out though. They over power the song and lessen what could have been a really great alternative track. Sometimes less is more.
Sleep Of Dreams (Angels) – This track looses the 80′s ethereal vibe and returns Mike Grutka to the alternative genre. Unfortunately this track isn’t very exciting. Granted, it’s meant to be moody, but there just isn’t the same “it” factor here as other tracks like “Top Of The World” and “The Sea.”
Lifetime (Ria) – There is definitely an early 90’s vibe to this track. Again, it’s very much in the vein of The Verve. It’s a simple moody song that unlike “Sleep Of Dreams” has an “it factor.” It’s that vibe that transcends a song from being just another track and makes it an experiences. This track and many others off of Ria transcend.
The Verdict:
Ria is an album of hits and misses, but when one of its tracks is a hit it becomes much more than just a song–it transcends. These are the songs that paint soundscapes of jubilee. They reach beyond the earbud and became something tangible. The become something that stays with you. There my may be misses on this album, but Ria is a hit.
Review by Zack Daggy
