Album Review: Giants In The Trees – Volume II
Krist Novosleic gets into the groove with Giants In The Trees' second full-length Volume II
Ex-Nirvana bass player Krist Novoselic has always loved dark-hearted pop music. And it shows on this simply-titled second album by his current band, Giants In The Trees. But far from being a solo offering, Volume II is a genuine collaborative effort, the Oregon quartet of Krist, vocalist Jillian Raye, guitarist Ray Prestegard and drummer Erik Friend fine-tuning their sound to deliver 10 tracks packed with effervescent pop-rock melodies.
If their 2017 debut established their so-called “forest grunge” aesthetic, then Volume II is a heavier, groovier and more cohesive affair. Jillian’s joyous, beguiling vocals shine once again on stand-out tunes Weight Of The World, This Is Love and My Name, while her bandmates deliver carefully crafted, intricate backing.
GITT’s resolutely localised/DIY approach also means that physical copies of Volume II – vinyl and handmade signed CDs – are only available via the band’s site. Right on!
Verdict: 4/5
For Fans Of: Nirvana, Sleater-Kinney, Emma Ruth Rundle