Insight & Critique
  • DAC
  • Indie Music Album Reviews
  • About
  • Submissions
  • Top albums
  • Features
  • Contact

Grandpa Egg - Praying Mantis

10/7/2014

0 Comments

 
Picture
Grandpa Egg

Praying Mantis
self-released; 2014

3.8 out of 5

By Ted Rogen


Try to imagine if Donovan (yes old school folk Donovan) decided to write music for Saturday morning kids’ shows similar to Barney. It might be simplest way I can describe the music on the recent release from Grandpa Egg called Praying Mantis. Let’s also get this out of the way; this album is pretty dang awesome. There’s not really much it can be compared to directly but it feels founded in old English folk as well as traditional tune at times

Singer/songwriter Jeb Morris and his brother, multi-instrumentalist and producer Bart Morris, make up Grandpa Egg. It’s obvious from the songs that they have a good sense of humor but also are storytellers. I’m not going to go into great detail but this is indeed a concept record about a praying mantis called Pellapetisimo and a loose collection of other insects, plants, animals and humans.

One of the most appealing aspects of this album is that there is a rich variety of sounds that might remind you of your childhood. They implement bells, xylophone, organs and more into a warm canvas of sound that sounds whimsical and playful. I don’t think Jeb Morris was born in England (his bio says they formed in Pittsburgh) but he sure does sound English at points. There is definitely a similarity between him and Donavan. Sure, a lot of people sound like or try to sound like Dylan but Donovan...that’s kind of cool.

This is a record that I highly advise listening to from start to end. It doesn't make much sense to skip around, as there is a loose narrative. That being said, there are plenty of songs you can enjoy without have to indulge in the whole thing.

One of the highlights was “Every Alcove.” I don’t know how someone could not enjoy this track. It’s warm, implements instrumentation you don’t hear everyday, is delightfully catchy and just kind of gives a fuzzy, happy feeling whether you want it or not. Another nugget of goodness is “Sally's House.” It’s a super catchy tune and has no mention of a praying mantis. 

This album grew on me the more I listened. At first I felt somewhat indifferent but after a little while it started seeping into my brain in a very good way. Beyond the somewhat silly topic are well-written songs that a five-year-old or a forty-five-year old will enjoy. I salute the Morris Brothers for making such an original album. 
official website
Tweet
0 Comments

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.


Leave a Reply.

       Critique/insight

    We are dedicated to informing the public about the different types of independent  music that is available for your listening pleasure as well as giving the artist a professional critique from a seasoned music geek. We critique a wide variety of niche genres like experimental, IDM, electronic, ambient, shoegaze and much more.

    Tweets by divideanconqer
    Are you one of our faithful visitors who enjoys our website? Like us on Facebook


    Archives

    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012
    July 2012
    June 2012
    May 2012
    April 2012
    March 2012
    February 2012
    January 2012

Company

About
Contributors

Got My Gigs

Book Your Band

© Divide and Conquer 2018. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
  • DAC
  • Indie Music Album Reviews
  • About
  • Submissions
  • Top albums
  • Features
  • Contact