The Grates have accomplished a lot in their three-year musical absence. A marriage, a pregnancy and a cafe opening later, the band has come back kicking with fourth LPDream Team. New drummer Ritchie Daniell in tow, Patience Hodgson and John Patterson have definitely made an entrance.
Recorded in just six days, the artistic process of the album resembles the three Grates themselves – compact, punchy and full of emotion. With tracks averaging two-and-a-half minutes in length and featuring sudden swaps between melody and Hodgson’s punkish shrieks, Dream Team holds that abrupt quality that tried and true Grates fans have come to know and love.
Tracks like ‘Holiday Home’ and ‘Friends With Scum’ revel in youthful debauchery and pack just the right amount of attitude. However, calmer tracks like ‘It Won’t Hurt Anymore’ and ‘What’s Wrong With You’ are speckled throughout, and while pleasant, lull the pace.
The Grates have not disappointed with their long-awaited return. If anything, one is left feeling that the album ends too quickly. Dream Team manages to encapsulate all The Grates have to offer – blending raw attitude and power with a professional and concise finish.
3/5.
Dream Team is out now through Death Valley/Create Control.
