Gran Ronde

Secret Rooms

[3/5]

Remember when Interpol came out and everyone said they were aping Joy Division? Then, Editors showed up and everyone said they came across like Interpol doing Joy Division? Well, Los Angeles foursome Gran Ronde sound like Editors doing Interpol doing Joy Division. Which is not a bad thing, necessarily, if you are a fan of the perpetual faux-British invasion that pairs a deep-throated, mopey vocalist with dark, layered guitarwork. Gran Ronde appropriate the overdone sound with as much skill and fervor as a monotone singer can muster, genuinely engaging the listener on the subtly bouncing “Say Say Say” and propulsive “Set It Off.” The songs begin to blend together by the time the disc nears its conclusion, begging the question why most bands don’t try harder to make their music unique. But at least in the assembly line of these bands, Gran Ronde have something momentarily compelling to offer. (FILTER U.S.) Emily Zemler