For those who haven’t yet caught onto Young Griffo, they are a Brisbane based three piece band playing original hard hitting indie rock.

I first came across the band at a gig in Toowoomba at the Irish Club Hotel in mid-2011, and although the gig was poorly attended that night, the guys put in a memorable live performance.

The Tiny Islands EP was self-released by the band in late October 2011, containing 6 original and powerful songs, and defiantly no fillers.

The EP opens with the brilliant and upbeat "Pennies" that just grabs your attention from the very first chords. The song quickly settles back to solid rhythm and the Griffo signature picked and overdriven guitars and smooth lyrics. The song winds down towards the end with some nice feedback, vocal harmonies and the sound of a beating snare. I just love this song; it's definitely alternative radio material.

"Facade", the second track barely lets you grab your breath before it comes crashing through your stereo speakers and slaps you in the face to ensure your mind doesn’t wander. Crank the stereo for best effect here. The track settles back momentarily before the volume hits eleven again, driven and delivered with power and intent. This is a brilliant and well written song.

"Four Points", the third track on the EP shows the bands versatility by moving slightly into different territory. It's got a bit of a funky/rock feel to it, trademark catchy lyrics, solid drums and a great bass riff. Guitars on this track range from cleaner choppy chords to a crunching rhythm and lead. This track has got its own appeal, and sits nicely on the EP.

Possibly the stand out track, and the EP's title, "Tiny Islands" does have radio air play written all over it, and I’m probably not the first to say so. A simple guitar riff blended with great lyrics, a solid rhythm and awesome structure. This song builds in intensity pushing you to the edge of your seat, but it never feels forced, it’s delivered with what seems such ease by the band. This is a brilliant rock song that deserves to get a good spin on triple J.

The fifth track “Blood to Bone”, as the name may suggest, is a little darker in parts than the others, but in a good way. Opens with a cool bass riff and rides on some great drums and impact crashes. The guitar in this song stands apart as well; it’s just brilliant playing and picking, with the song benefiting from some lead driven instrumental sections. The vocals are a little sparser on this song, but delivered effortlessly and powerfully. Another great indie track.

The final song, “Come To This End” has yet again a different feel, it’s more bluesy, almost like the guys were jamming it out in the studio, and laced with distorted lead guitar, almost on the edge of feedback. The lyrics reminding us were near the end of the EP. This song is probably not the EP single, but none the less a good rocking, beer drinking song worthy of inclusion.

This is defiantly an exciting EP that can be listened to over and over again, without ever wanting to skip a single track. If I had to compare the Young Griffo Tiny Island EP to other bands, the first that jumps to mind is Eskimo Joe, perhaps it’s in the way the lyrics are delivered, and at times the sound and production has a similar feel to me. I have to admit I just love this EP, its fucking brilliant! Do yourself a favour and go purchase the download.

darren, www.toowoomba.info


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