An indie-rock band formed in 2012. These four talented men come from Sydney, Australia! The band consists of Christopher Whitehall, the lead singer, Tim John, the bass guitarist, Daniel Duque-Perez, the guitarist, and Lachlan West, the drummer. They posted their first song online in 2012 to which it received positive feedback. Soon their music made it on the radio and Triple J began playing their song “Mississippi” regularly. They were signed in 2013 to Wind Up Records. Their first album, Be Impressive, was released in 2014. Today they have released 4 albums total. Does their name sound familiar or remind you of a classic movie series from your childhood? That’s because their band name comes from the fictional family in the popular 80s ‘Vacation’ films. It is inevitable to want to get up and dance when you hear their music. The up-beat tempo in many of their songs makes you forget your worries for the time being. The band has credited Vampire Weekend, MGMT, Kanye West, Devendra Benhart, Of Montreal, and The Beach Boys as some their influencers.
I was surprised to see that in one of their most popular songs, ‘Beware The Dog’, the lyrics weren’t as positive as the song sounds. The band said that the song was written about a close friend who passed away from drug use. It is obvious people are currently into music that is written from the heart and comparable to real-life situations. The Griswolds combine the sad reality with an up-lifting sound from the combination of their instruments and usual cheerful vocals. Another song I came across while listening to this band was, ‘Hate That I Don’t Hate You.’ This song is more laid back and on the pop side of musical genres. “ My guess is she’s using again and I think she’s using my friends. Been substance abusing again and again.” This song once again brings up the topic of drug abuse. This is a topic that many people can relate to and comes up quite a bit in their music. “I hate that I don’t hate you for all the callous things we’ve done.” I already know this lyric will hit-home for many people. It can be interpreted in many ways. I take it is as he wants to let go and forget about this woman due to her heartless personality and the things she made him do, and the fact that he can’t bothers him. These lyrics are also featured in, ‘Hate That I Don’t Hate You.’
If you’re feeling upset, listen to The Griswolds to lift your spirits. If you’re feeling happy, listen to the Griswolds to stay in that mindset. Basically, just give The Griswolds a chance and listen to the songs I recommended! It never hurts to take a minute out of your day to discover what could be your new favorite band. There’s no better word than simply “fun” to describe their tunes. It’s lyrics like theirs that really get you thinking.
Catch the Griswolds on tour this February through March as they tour the United States. Tour dates, merchandise, and more information about the band is available on their website here: http://blog.wearethegriswolds.com/splash
Check out their new music video for “Out of My Head” below:
Follow and keep up with The Griswolds on their social media:
Music, Why Not!- Your Dose of Music
January 12, 2017
Written By: Hannah