by Kris Handel
Double Grave are a three piece from Minnesota that produce a noisy kind of pop that is hard to truly resist and their previous releases are solid proof of that. On the Chrysanthemum EP, a companion of sorts to 2020's Goodbye, Nowhere, there is more of a stripped down pop punk feel in line with bands like Sleeping Bag or Joyce Manor. Jeremy Warden and Bree Meyer's vocals entwine so smoothly and manage to bring moments of transcendence that are hard to articulate. Though this release is short, it is packed with nuggets of delight be it instrumentals that present languid melodic haze or little bursts of clever and enthusiastic pop.
"Kitchen Floor" kicks off the EP with Warden's vocals over rumbling bass that gives way to soaring guitar and persistent bass drum work. Meyer and Warden's vocals connect for the chorus/bridge of yearning and slightly forlorn lyrics reminiscing over good memories of romantic time passed. "Sounds Like You" and "Across Montana" are two instrumentals that make an impact, with the former being driven by hazy keys and a shuffling rhythm section, while the latter is a sprightly jaunt with a brighter approach and wobbly keyboard and guitar jangle. "On Tour," a catchy standout, is a quick melodic blast about the less glamorous and repetitious parts of touring and keeping yourself entertained through the experience.
Double Grave are a band that has steadily been progressing with each release in a manner that is deserving of all recognition that comes their way. There is an energy and creativity at play here that you can't help but feel warmed by, producing a different sonic environment. The looseness that is at hand works very well and the band have a connection that reaches out to the audience and makes the experience more immersive. Double Grave amp up their playfulness on Chrysanthemum and meld their influences into a bright concoction that ends quickly and puts some spirit into the listener.