Gramercy Arms – The Making Of The Making Of

Curated by the dynamic team of producer Ray Ketchem and artist Dave Derby, Gramercy Arms’ most recent release, “The Making Of The Making Of,” is a bright tribute to the creative energy of New York in the 1970s and 1980s. This album is a fun trip through a variety of musical genres, with each track showing the group’s creativity and wide range of inspirations. “After the After Party,” the album’s opening track, is a power-pop piece with a chorus that will stick in your head long after the song stops. Its melodic virtuosity is reminiscent of The Beatles. With its semi-acoustic charm and alternative rock edge, “Pilot Light” follows suit, laying the groundwork for the diverse adventure to come. In “The Making Of The Making Of,” the album’s title track, Gramercy Arms shows his skill at fusing aspects of 1990s alternative rock with indie folk and country music. The outcome is a fun, guitar-driven song that is engaging from beginning to end. With its beautiful acoustic backdrop and catchy melody, “Alaska” is a standout track that is inspired by Paul McCartney’s solo work. With its indie folk ideas, “Never Say Anything (Acoustic)” represents the spirit of Neil Young and Americana, providing a moving moment of reflection. “Lux” creates an intriguing aural mosaic with its polyphonic vocal melodies and funky rhythms, adding an upbeat energy to the mix. “Don’t Respond She Can Tell” recalls classic rock with a hint of bluesiness, while “Susan” reflects the warmth of indie rock music. The album ends emotionally with “The Long Game,” a lovely ballad that makes you homesick for New York City and moves between sincere acoustic moments and indie rock anthemics. Although every track has something different to offer, they all work together to provide an enjoyable and interesting listening experience. It’s a celebration of the rich musical environment that New York’s artistic spirit has inspired, as well as an ode to its lasting legacy.

Photo Credit: photo By Debora Francis