Great Grandpa are back with their first album in five years, and it's a stunner. 'Patience, Moonbeam', due out on March 28th, sees the band return with a renewed sense of purpose and a sound that's both familiar and fresh.
The album's creation was far from smooth sailing. In 2021, the band found themselves at a crossroads. Each member was pursuing different paths – Al Menne had relocated to LA to work on a solo album, Dylan Hanwright was busy producing for other bands, Cam LaFlam had entered the world of bookselling, and Pat and Carrie Goodwin had started a family in Denmark. It seemed like Great Grandpa might be over.
But, like any strong relationship, the bonds of friendship and shared history pulled them back together. In 2023, the band reconvened, scrapping much of their previous material and starting anew. This time, they brought the experiences of their time apart to the table, resulting in a richer, more layered sound.
The result is an album that's both cohesive and diverse, showcasing the band's growth and maturity. The eleven tracks on 'Patience, Moonbeam' are a dynamic blend of styles, moving seamlessly between heavy and tender, playful and serious. 'Doom' features soft, ethereal vocals that give way to explosive cymbals, while the exhilarating lead single 'Kid' unfolds like a rock opera. On the other end of the spectrum, 'Junior' is a country-tinged song-story full of youthful recklessness and "light crimes."
'Patience, Moonbeam' is a testament to the band's collaborative spirit. While Pat Goodwin spearheaded the songwriting, the album is very much a group effort. The band embraced an "open door policy" during the writing and recording process, allowing each member's creativity to shine through.
'Patience, Moonbeam' is more than just an album; it's a testament to the enduring power of friendship and creative collaboration. It's an album about growing up, navigating change, and finding beauty in unexpected places. As Dylan Hanwright puts it, the band members are "like individual swinging pendulums," coming into sync every now and then to create something truly special. With 'Patience, Moonbeam', Great Grandpa have delivered their most ambitious and confident work to date.
