*FACE Magazine: THE COMING GRASS

FACE Magazine · November 2001

With such a potent batch of first-class musicians all gathered in the same geographic location, as one could naturally assume might occasionally occur, Portland, Maine has, once again, become the birthplace of yet another serious contender for major league attention of the musical sort.

Surrounding his rootsy electric rock guitar licks and warm, smooth countrified vocal stylings reminiscent of Jakob Dylan or Shannon Hoon (Blind Melon) with the bewitching, earthy vocal harmonies of Sara Cox, the steady subtle rhythms (and incense and lava lamp) of drummer Ginger Cote and the sheer mood magic created by guitar wizard Stephan B. Jones (Boneheads), singer/songwriter Nate Schrock has certainly gotten off on the right foot.

Together, they've taken on the mysterious moniker The Coming Grass (a story unto itself I'm sure) and have heads turning (and toes tapping) throughout New England with their contagious brand of country groove rock. "UFO" is down-home country hoe down fun featuring one nasty little ol' blues-guitar solo while the lazy Americana roots rock of "Save me Some" actually elicits southern drawls from these Yankee singers. Kate Schrock adds a mesmerizing layer of accomplished piano flair to an otherwise already dreamy "No Harm". "Carry", "Comes True", and "Zombies" are a laid-back trio of country rock tunes featuring mandolin, catchy melodies and nostalgic, introspective lyrics. "Evolution Detour" is an upbeat percussive-driven groove sure to fill dance-floors as opposed to the easy-going, warm fuzzy feeling of sway brought about by "Put Away Your Expectations" with its interesting upswing, both in mood and musically, at the end. "Sea of Imagination" is the closest TCG comes to playin' down and dirty formula rock a la Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. From the macho barroom beat of album opener "Take Me Over" straight through to the acid-laced trippy rock of "Star", this self-titled debut is a surprisingly delicious intro to a classy band that had my attention throughout.

The Coming Grass have absolutely made my list of must-see bands. You just might want to think about adding them to yours.

Faves: "Star", "Evolution Detour", "Put Away Your Expectations", "Take me Over"