Music Review: Green River Ordinance - Out of My Hands

Green River Ordinance (GRO) is a band that I have been championing since I first met and interviewed frontman Josh Jenkins back in 2006. I said then “Every once in a while you come across a band so great, so talented, that you stand back a little, shake your head, and mutter in awe, "Fuck me, they’re fabulous!" Fort Worth, Texas-based Green River Ordinance (GRO) are such band.” I have never wavered in this belief... which is saying a lot for me.

Now three years after that initial exposure they have landed a multi-album contract with Capital/Virgin records, and released their first major-label album, Out of My Hands. Signed they may be, but they have lost none of their power-pop deliciousness.

GRO have an indie-rock/power-pop sound that will remind you of Third Eye Blind, Goo Goo Dolls, or Matchbox Twenty but with a twist of roots rock. Their passionate, emotional lyrics are a little bit country, a little bit pop, a little bit rock-&-roll. GRO's sound is altogether intense and dynamic, sumptuously layered, and rich in warm melodies, harmonies, and rhythms. Their every lyric, melody, harmony, and vocal seem to speak to you with sincerity, honesty and a raw passion.

Josh Jenkins’ vocals feel as natural as well toiled earth, with a charismatic yet sensual playfulness, easily connecting with every word, every emotion, every moment of a song, and seem to hint to a deeper, hidden meaning. One thing that GRO do better than nearly any other band I have encountered is to work together, without ego, without self, but working as one, all perfectly complementing each other. Guitar, bass, and drum are all perfectly judged and played to create GRO's fabulous brand of jangly-guitar-power-pop/indie rock.

Although the band have recycled two tracks from a previous independent release, “Come On”, and “Sleep It Off”, the rest of the 11 tracks on Out of My Hands are brand new. All tracks stick to GRO's signature sound, making this album an easily accessible romp for die-hard fans, and newbies alike.

Article Author: A.L. Harper

I'm a writer and music journalist originally from Salt Lake City, but now living in Scotland. I was a Punk/Goth in the '80s and these artistic influences have stayed with me; although a love of Chopin, chamber music, and Spanish guitar would seem to belie this. …

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