Gerry Stanek / The Late Arrivals Club
"Gravity" is a sweet, little ditty by Gerry Stanek about some darker feelings. It's got a nice groove, sauntering along as a compelling guitar strums you from verse to chorus while another noodles along, providing additional interest atop the rhythm section. Maybe it's just me, but this song's got that "I just stepped in some mud, and tracked it into the house before I realized it" vibe. It's a gentle tune with salty edges that are accentuated by a crispiness to the mix, marked by extra presence in the vocal and guitar. This is good coffeehouse music... but that's not to say that he's not ready for bigger stages. It just has an intimacy that brings the listener in close. That intimacy is even more present on some of the other tunes that are found on Grease and Dust and Blood, the home to "Gravity." I recommend checking out those songs, too. I listened to them while typing this up and it was a pleasant way to spend a few minutes of my life.
I’ve got respect for musicians that can put together a decent tune. The Late Arrivals Club’s second single, “Take my Hand and Run,” is a pleasant little rocker. Maybe it’s the slap back on the vocals, but I think the whole vibe is hitting me with some nostalgic feelings. For a variety of reasons, I think this band would do well opening for Jackson Browne. And yes, I like Jackson Browne. If you’re into mellow (but not sleepy) rock tunes with that old school flare, you should give it a whirl.