By Ibn-Umar Abbasparker of Indie Band Guru
Loud, noisy, and brash.
These are just a few of the words that could be used to describe “Pyramids,” the new song by up-and-comers Naked Giants.
Naked Giants Breaking Through
In an era where bands come and go like Facebook posts, Naked Giants is finding a way to stand out from the crowd. With this song, the young trio from Seattle delivers a sample of their multi-genre style of music.
Their sound has been described as a lively, blended mash-up of garage rock, punk rock, psychedelia, and soul music. “Pyramids” stands as proof of this statement. With twangy bass lines, driving, jagged guitar riffs, and howling vocals, it offers all potential listeners a little motivation to get up, jump, and bounce.
Naked Giants, who emerged on the scene in 2014, consists of drummer Henry LaVallee, bassist Gianni Aiello, and guitarist/vocalist Grant Mullen. All three members grew up in Seattle. The musicians came together simply because they liked the same music. From there, they took their love of musical acts like Nirvana, Jimi Hendrix, and Ty Segall one step further and formed a band. Once they settled on a name, they were good to go.
As for “Pyramids,” the song may be short but it has a lot to offer. To start, it opens with a rich, juicy bass line, with plenty of twang, that’s instantly catchy and infectious. After Aiello gets the bass line started, LaVallee adds a proper dose of cymbals and drumbeats to complete the steady, outgoing rhythm. A few seconds later, Mullen showcases his vibrant vocals in introducing the lyrics. Complimenting Mullen’s howling vocals are the fuzzy, staccato, and rhythmic riffs unleashed from his guitar.
If that’s not enough, the song contains loud, soulful caterwauls juxtaposed to sudden crescendos where the song’s volume goes from loud to louder. To finish it off, Mullen bellows out a few, well-placed screams before the song fades out.
Overall, “Pyramids” is a vivid, upbeat song bursting with energy. More importantly, all it took to make was a guitar, a bass, a drum kit, and a little determination.
Therein lies the true beauty of “Pyramids”: its simplicity.
Learn more about Naked Giants, including their Midwest tour dates this month, here.
