Nana Grizol
Nana Grizol is a rock band from Athens, Ga. The band formed in the beginning of 2007 and in 2008 released their first album "Love It, Love It." since then they have toured nationally several times and continued to grow. And change. And be new. And old.
Nana Grizol's second album, "Ruth" is a potent mix of revved up melodic folk punk, laced with intricate horn arrangements and sleazy, ripping guitars. It alternates between contemplative, beautiful folk arrangements and blasting rock and roll, often within the same song. "Cynicism" kicks things off with a haunting finger picked guitar melody, mixed with a lush horn arrangement. "Galaxies" then kicks things into high gear with it's infectious swagger. "Black Box" is an album highlight, with it's urgent, tense backing of a lyrical rumination on mortality. "From Here" opens with a jubilant, group vocal, then channels Neil Young's Crazy Horse for a blazing,energetic guitar workout. "Sands" ends the album with an ominous, horn backed swell that builds into an expertly crafted pop song, leaving off on a dark but hopeful note. The backing band augments Theo Hilton's book-open vocals and beautiful fingerpicking with a suitably eclectic array of instrumentation. Laura Carter and Robbie Cucchiaro, both formerly of Athens' legendary and notoriously horn-buoyed Neutral Milk Hotel, head up a brass-and-winds section comprised of Laura's celebratory trumpet, Robbie's Baritone Euphonium, a couple clarinets, harmonica, recorder and whatever else you can pack into a touring-trunk and bring along for a blast. Rhythmic backbone comes courtesy of Southern punkrock siren Madeline Adams' bass, Matte Cathcart's drumming and some right-on Fender Rhodes piano provided by Hot New Mexicans' mainman Patrick Jennings.
Band Buzz
Nana Grizol's southern generosity in Impose Magazine
Nana Grizol waste no time in following up its debut. We've got the leak on the next record's progress.
- Impose Magazine
Nana Grizol gets plugged on KEXP
Nana Grizol, the project of Athens, GA’s Theo Hilton, taps into the Elephant 6 scene by recruiting members of Elf Power, Neutral Milk Hotel, The Music Tapes, et cetera, for a satisfying album of “melodic folk punk” (the label’s own words, but apt).
- KEXP blog
Bust Magazine loves Nana Grizol's "Ruth"
All I know is that I like bands that are AMAZING, and Nana Grizol is an AMAZING band.
- Kelly McClure
Nana Grizol played Cake Shop (pics), Julian Koster caroling again in December (invite him to your house)
Athens band Nana Grizol's tour was in town on November 8th for a show at Cake Shop. Even with ex-Neutral Milk Hotel members Laura Carter and Robbie Cucchiaro in the band and Jeff Mangum in the audience, it'd be a mistake to overemphasize the "Elephant 6"-ness of the show. The band is really Theo Hilton's gig, and as a songwriter he has his own direct, personal style. The band too has an urgency about it, with insistent melodies and rotating instruments (that pair up occasionally as double drums and double trumpets). The new album, Ruth, was present in the set list and at the merch table. The above song "For Things That Haven't Come," listed on the setlist as "Ginsburg" maybe for obvious reasons, is characteristic of their basement pop vibe (or maybe farm house pop as the case may be).
- Brooklyn Vegan
Best news of the day: New Nana Grizol album details and {TIG exclusive} free MP3
Just when I was about to start self-medicating with diet soda and a bucket of leftover Halloween candy, Nana Grizol emailed us and offered a brand-spanking new, never been posted, beauty of a song that is going to be on the next Nana Grizol album Ruth (Orange Twin Records, January 12, 2010)!!!
- Three Imaginary Girls
TO Music Snob does a nifty Q&A with Nana Grizol
Athens, GA's Nana Grizol have their new album Ruth out now digitally with a physical CD due in January. In support the band play the Dakota Tavern here in Toronto on November 12th. I had the opportunity recently to speak with singer/songwriter Theo Hilton about the album, tour and more.
- Snob's Music
