The name Grimble Grumble may be a reference to a Pink Floyd song, but don’t expect a further comparison of the two bands on record. If anything, the Chicago quartet (with the revised lineup of bassist/vocalist Christine Garcia, guitarist Josh Hudson, drummer Mike Bulington, and guitarist Saleem Dhamee) recalls the space rock of newer groups like Bardo Pond, Dead Meadow and just about any other artist attempting to play minimal, droney rock. For its first record in seven years, Grimble Grumble won’t disappoint dedicated fans of the style. Leaves Leader’s slow, almost stoner rock instrumentation is psychedelic enough to get lost in. While that alone may be worth a listen, Garcia’s infrequent vocals are cold and too distant and the pieces don’t really go anywhere other than the expected repetition or build-up of noise. By the end, one gets the impression that the band is only out for a self-indulgent jam session. – Kenyon Hopkin
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