Philadelphia rock band Grayscale are back- and this time, they’re better than ever.
Two long years after the release of their sophomore album “Adornment,” the band has finally released their latest LP and it is a killer.
“Nella Vita,” which hit airwaves earlier this morning, is the bands most personal and ambitious release to date. Switching up their style from solely punk rock to include more pop elements, Grayscale have successfully used varying styles and their classic lyrical style to create songs that are not only catchy but also relatable.
But you need to listen for yourselves.
Check out each track below, accompanied by our track-by-track reviews, which discuss each track’s danceability, favorite lyrics, and our official song rankings from #12-1.
1. Just Right
“Just Right” is the perfect intro track for this album.
It’s a light pop-rock song that is about a relationship turned sour- something that is neither too genetic or too intense for the beginning of the record.
And instead of being a straight “breakup” track, something Grayscale has quite a few of, “Just Right” is about attempting to win back a lover many years later after recounting their favorite happy memories.
And if the lyrics don’t do it for you, the instruments will.
The light stings get you hooked from the beginning and as they get more intense and joined by percussion in the chorus you can’t help but smile and bob along.
“Let’s take it back to the start / told you one day that I’d marry you, yeah I said it / you’ve also got that same charm / know I can still make your mother laugh at things that she shouldn’t have”
Ranking: #4
2. Baby Blue
“Baby Blue” is the song everyone who has ever reunited with an old flame needs to hear at least once.
With lyrics about finding yourself intertwined in an exes life, this song is the perfect representation of the feelings you have after untangling yourself from someone’s life only to find yourself tied back up a short while later.
And in classic Grayscale form, though the lyrics are far from happy, the instrumentals are exactly the opposite. With a catchy drum line and upbat guitars (featuring a great solo by guitarist Andrew Kyne) the track is very poppy- definitely the perfect one to dance to.
“I think I love you still but now I’m not sure / don’t feel much anymore / Wish I could say it’s good to see you now / Wish we had something good to pull us out.”
Ranking: #3
3. In Violet
A song about death that does not evoke tears but rather promotes joy, “In Violet” is the perfect track for coping with loss.
The track, which was the second single to be released ahead of the album, describes losing a loved one, takes a spin on the traditional song about loss (see track 12) and flips it on its head- telling listeners to not focus on the idea of loss but rather celebrate their loved ones life. Essentially, the lyrics say: Don’t be sad for me. Celebrate me and my time with you.
And unlike other tracks about death, the song also features upbeat instrumentals- making the song a dance worthy pop song rather than a soft ballad- all despite the sad topic.
“Bury me in Violet / Smile for me when you set me free / Dance the pain away”
Ranking: #5
4. YOUNG
“YOUNG” is the anthem of “Nella Vita.” From the catchy percussion and rhythm section to the lively guitar riffs, this track is the perfect example of something you want to dance to but also potentially cry to.
Lyrically, the song discusses some of the hardest parts of existing, and how difficult life can become when you become bogged down by the harsh realities of life. But, instead of wallowing in these feelings of despair, the track forces listeners to flip their thinking and remind themselves they are better than giving up.
“I’m a man in an unmade bed breaking apart every word you’ve said / I’m so tired of seeing red/ I think I’m better than just giving up in the pouring rain / I think I’d rather love than be a heart of stone that can’t be saved”
Ranking: #8
5. Twilight (My Heaven)
The song of innuendos, “Twilight (My Heaven)” is about reminiscing about the good old days with a former love and wondering if you actually miss them or just the physical elements of what you had together.
Lyrically, the song is one of the least interesting on the album, but it is an upbeat pop-rock track that has heavier guitar and rhythm aspects and definitely is a song to go crazy on the dance floor to.
“Now you’re always on my mind / Never thought I’d fall behind / Hell what happened to the time? / Guess you’ll just stay a friend of mine / You were my heaven on high / you were my blue sun, perfect skies.”
Ranking: #11
6. Old Friends
If you’ve ever wished you could talk to someone one last time, this is a song you will relate too.
In an interview earlier this month, the band’s frontman Collin Walsh revealed to Rocksound that this song was written about what he wishes he would say to his cousin Tommy, who took his own life last year.
As for the instrumentals, this track is very vocally focused, but features a very light pop backing including simple percussion and the use of a synthesizer.
It’s not a track to dance to, but it’s one that is worth a hundred listens.
“No one knows your pain like you did / wish we could talk it out like old friends / do my best to smile through this.”
Ranking: #6
7. Painkiller Weather
“Painkiller Weather” was the first track off of “Nella Vita” to be released- and came out prior to the album’s announcement. And it happens to be one of the most unique on the album.
With the most candid lyrics of all 11 tracks, “Painkiller Weather” discusses the turmoil of being part of a relationship that involves addictiction- a theme in many Grayscale songs including previously released “Mum.”
The track has a catchy percussion track, which helps carry the track.
It’s definitely a song that makes you bob your head to the beat, but it’s not a full out dance track like other songs on the album.
“I loved a girl name Madison / she liked to do heroin / pull the shades let the sunshine in / she doesn’t know what room she’s in”
Ranking: #7
8. What’s On Your Mind
If you’ve ever been through a relationship or even friendship where you have struggled to see eye to eye, this is a track you don’t want to skip over.
With a very catchy backing track and lyrics about trying to figure out what’s going on in someone else’s head, this track is both relatable and danceable.
“And you blame me for what’s on your mind / I can’t relate to just want to break through / What’s on your mind”
Ranking: #8
9. Asbury
“Asbury” is one of the two slower songs on the record, but it is also one of the best.
An acoustic track with a strong focus on it’s lyricism, it is a song about falling in love and the pain that comes with that love fading away or passing on. It is not a track to dance to, like the rest of the album, but it is one that you can listen to on repeat and maybe even cry to- depending on the day you’re having.
“The asbury light house is where I will go / and I’ll fall back into you like I always do”
Ranking: #2
10. Desert Queen
“Desert Queen” is the weakest song on this album- but that is not to say it is not still a good track. However, unlike the fantastic writing that spans the rest of the LP, “Desert Queen” has the weakest lyrics. It is a traditional song about the excitement of a new love/fling, but it doesn’t stand out in any special way.
But, despite all of that, the song is catchy and after a few listens you will find yourself bobbing and air drumming along.
“Hold close, let’s slip to a dream/ Just you and me burning ‘zona heat, love/ Don’t ever let me be”
Ranking: #12
11. In My Arms
This track is just a feel good song that makes you not only want to dance but also want to sing. And we know, you’ve read that before, but this song is perfect track for an end of summer listening party. It has electronic elements, pop elements, and catchy lyrics that will definitely get stuck in your head.
“Like anybody cares that I’m all out of love, with nowhere to go, swear I’ve lost control, come and bring me home”
Ranking: #9
12. Tommy’s Song
“Tommy’s Song” is the perfect album finale, and also a perfect song to listen to if you want to cry.
Lyrically, the song is about losing a loved one and the aftermath of their death- specifically about Walsh’s cousin.
Entirely the opposite of “In Violet” (and perhaps inspired by the same event), “Tommy’s Song” is the album’s classic ballad. It features an enchanting piano backing track as Walsh’s emotions and voice carry the track with the lyrics.
This song is the most emotional and best on the album- 100% guaranteed to give you goosebumps.
“Even angels sing the blues / I heard gospels singing in my head / I saw angels they’re holding your hands / and I pray it didn’t hurt too badly my friend / I’ll see you soon.”
Ranking: #1
If you like what you hear, be sure to check out Grayscale on their Nella Vita Tour coming to a city near you this fall.
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