Unsung Melody - Initial Thoughts: A review of Face The Day by Gravel Switch.

Gravel Switch. Sounds like something an evil landscaper would do, right? It’s actually the name of a small town in KY. I’ll say this though, the one thing this band has in common with gravel, is they are definitely both rock. The band Gravel Switch is based in Jamestown, KY and has been making a name for themselves for several years, in and around the region. They’ve held their own from festival shows, to National openers. After several years, and member changes, the band seems to finally have the right combination to make some noise, so to speak. I recently caught their set at the Music Is Me Fest down in Glasgow, KY. It was my first time hearing the band, and I was impressed. After speaking with a couple members, the band informed me that they are releasing a new album on December 17th. Obviously, you’re reading this, so I jumped at the chance to review the new album. It’s titled Face The Day, and I’m proud to add it to our Initial Thoughts series. As usual, I’ll hit some of the highlights for me. It’s up to you to discover the rest of the album.

First up, is 10 Feet Tall and Bulletproof. Starting a rock album off with a banjo takes balls, and apparently, Gravel Switch has ’em and they aren’t afraid to use ’em. It’s a tale of debauchary, and doing body shots off your wife. The guitars in the song are driving, the tale is tall, and the music is flowing. A great way to kick off the album.

Slowing it down a bit, we come to what is quite possibly my favorite track on the album. Breathing On My Own is a tune that has piano. I’m a sucker for piano… The tune is a rocker though, don’t get the wrong impression here. The song is about love, both good and bad. It’s an extremely well written tune, that reminds me a bit of Crossfade. Vocalist Seth Wade really shines on this track. Pouring emotion from every pore. His tone is perfect on this song, and the song is a great example of what the band can deliver.

Digging Away is perhaps the heaviest tune on the album. With it’s crunchy tones, booming drums, aggressive delivery, and big open chorus, the song will be one that gets the crowd to do anything the band wants.

The Dirty Song is the first single from Face The Day. The band has also released a pretty cool video for this one, which I’ll include below. It’s a song that has gotten the band a few great opportunities, and was definitely a crowd favorite when I saw them last month.

No More is the next song that I want to shine a little light on. It’s similarly in the vein of Breathing On My Own. It’s a song that has radio written all over it. It has a very mainstream song structure. Conjuring up thoughts of say early Theory Of A Deadman mixed with a little Staind.

All in all, this album is a great launching pad for the band. If they can get this into the right hands, I don’t think Jamestown, KY can hold ’em anymore. As with most regional bands looking for a break, I listen for the things that I feel they can improve on, because feedback is important to a band. With Gravel Switch, there is little to nothing that I can find they need improvement on. If I could say one thing to the band, it would be, don’t lose sight of what you see for this band. You’re vision of who you are and what you want to become, is coming to a realization, right in front of your eyes. Stay true to the music.

★★★★★★★★☆☆ 8 out of 10 stars.

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