Underrated Stuff! // The Grace Period - Dynasty

Credit: EvilSponge (PostLibyan)

 

 

 I think that's a pretty good way to begin this blog post. When going about the overflowing pool of indie-artists, it's a lucky and unlucky thing you're left with little-to-no information about whatever project might be of some intrigue. I say, there is truly more interest in the mystery. It's pleasant (to me, at least) to see musical artists as an entity, someone I'll never know, or something I can completely separate from an individual. 

Now for The Grace Period, an entity that's been occupying my ears for a few months now.

Initially, I had came across this project at a perfect time. I spend a decent amount of time at airports. I have been in an ongoing long-distance relationship for 2 1/2 (ONGOING!!!) years, so every 2-ish months, I am anxiously awaiting my departure from the ol' stomping grounds. I take this time, mostly (aside from walking back and forth, trying to find the cheapest food at the terminals...) to hunt vigorously for some new tunes. It, well, mostly, never fails! 

 Whatever time, a few months ago, maybe last year... Ok I don't know, nor does it matter to anyone besides me and my brains timeline of stuff. I believe I was going the indie route, scrounging for anything, as I had hit a musical wall at that time. I believe I downloaded bands Bugskull, Cheer Accident, Village of Savanooga, and The Grace Period. Needless to say, as most "indie", none of this stuck with me. Except the Grace Period.

 Ok, enough backstory. 

What is known about The Grace Period is scarce. Actually, I guess it really isn't. I am researching as I type this (sorry, high school teachers) and allegedly, The Grace Period is a project from Chris Ott, a known Pitchfork critic (and founder)... Who supposedly was a bit of a controversial figure. Through reading old threads and articles, it seems he was a bit of an arrogant bastard online. Not worth the research though, because to reiterate, I like imagining musical projects as something that is not a person. I guess that messed up the whole point of this post...  BUT ANYWAY! 

ONTO the music... the real deal

Dynasty is a minimalist sound-collagey, loop-based electronic project, and the second album in The Grace Period's catalogue. It has 12 tracks, and a 43 minute run time, so it's a quick, nonetheless fulfilling listen. It's simple, as is stated. Laid back, yet technical drums run the show, and especially shine on tracks like "Best of Boston" and my personal favorite "I Can See My Breath". I really appreciate the random samples of people talking thrown in on this record. It evokes a sense of nostalgia and perhaps yearning, similar to tracks like "Krusty" by Papa M (David Pajo) and "Limerence" by Yves Tumor (perhaps unrelated, but if you like that vibe).  It's fairly consistent throughout, and doesn't need much commentary as it just kind of is. I wish I understood what the author in the header image was talking about, I don't really see this as a hip-hop album, or a beat tape at all. Nonetheless...

Sorry if this isn't the most entertaining or coherent blog post! There isn't much history, or depth really. It's just a nice album I really enjoyed. Also the whole point of the blog was tainted... there is no mystery! But I guess the mystery of no mystery is greater than none at all. 

 -IONA