New York, NY - New York City's keygrip is proud to announce the release of their debut EP
vis-à-vis on July 28, 2009 on RRMC Recordings. Led by songwriter Michael Di Lalla, the music is melodic Brit-pop with hints of 80’s influence and modern day eclectic indie-rock leanings. The writing is accessible, yet edgy and heartfelt.
Self produced by Di Lalla with the bulk of the mixing done by Scott Solter (Spoon, St. Vincent, Pattern Is Movement) at John Vanderslice’s indie-heaven Tiny Telephone studios in San Francisco, vis-à-vis is full of tranquil melodies, hypnotic grooves and a flowing, visceral dynamic. Five out of the seven songs on the EP were recorded mixed and mastered the old-fashioned way, to analog tape, with no computers involved in the entire process.
keygrip is comprised of brothers Michael Di Lalla (vocals/guitar/keys) & Jared Di Lalla (drums) along with second guitarist Will Salween. To complete the line-up, Di Lalla went straight to the vine and recruited one of his students at the Paul Green School of Rock, where he is an instructor. Ivan Evangelista now helms the bass and the final format of keygrip is solidified.
Years ago, Di Lalla put together the original keygrip debut entitled The Unaimed Arrow Never Misses, but shortly after its completion Michael was severely injured after being hit by a car in the NYC streets. A few years of recovery followed, as he had to get accustomed to the presence of metal plates, screws and rods in his arm and leg. All was not lost, however, for the "Arrow" record as many of its songs have been widely used in television on such networks as MTV, Bravo, PBS & TLC. Known as the “lost album,” keygrip looks forward to eventually releasing the work later in the year.
The first single from vis-à-vis, “If I Could (You Know I Would)” will be accompanied by a video shot and directed my Mike Kobal.
keygrip releases the EP vis-à-vis on July 28, 2009 on RRMC Recordings. Keep an eye out for Northeast tour dates throughout the summer.
These New Yorkers have something to be proud about. Their latest release is a musical celebration full of indie love and is brit-pop mastery. New York City’s Keygrip has the musical attenuation and aptitude that gives the band it’s edge and one-up over competition. Vis-à-Vis blends traditional brit-pop with indie sensibilities, seared over Michael DiLalla’s soul-testifying, consolatory vocals and eloquent lyrics. The Echo And The Bunnymen-ish “If I Could (You Know I Would)” relaxes the ears into musical ease with its awesome melodic tinge and harmonies that brings the listener to a joyous and calm submissive state. That song really is the moment of this album. The rockin’ romp of “Nothing But You To Lose” finally introduces the gritty rock guitars coupled by a straight forward rock groove and a huge chorus sure to rock the best of them. Indie-alternative inspired “The Warning” takes on a troubador persona and really showcases the band’s true abilities in full complete with harmonies, acoustic guitars, addictive groove, daunting lyrics and Michael D.’s nostalgic crooning. All in all, Vis-à-Vis is a great record and a great introduction to the band. Boasting a nice array of different arrangements and compositions, Keygrip definitely has a winning formula on their hands, if not gold. If Michael DiLalla’s accident, which he was severely injured after being hit by a car and had to go through a few years of recovery, is not enough for you to believe how inspiring this record is, Michael D. still has to get accustomed to the presence of metal plates, screws and rods in his arm and leg. Now that’s the power of music I say. The power to overcome your darkest hours and rise up to victory. Get inspired and pick yourself up a copy now!
By: Gian Erguiza Frantikmag.com
Indie rock band keygrip have announced the release of their debut CD vis-à-visvia RRMC Recording on July 28th.
keygrip is led by songwriter/vocalist/multi-instrumentalist Michael Di Lalla and the band includes Michael's brother Jared Di Lalla (drums), Will Salween (guitarist) and Ivan Evangelista (bass). Even though keygrip are from New York, the band's music fits well with many of the current and past atmospheric BritPop bands. All of the cuts on this disc are driven by atmospheric guitars and melodic vocals. The first single "If I Could (You Know I Would)" is streaming on keygrip's MySpace profile. Strong songwriting is complemented by stellar production by Michael Di Lalla. His layered and well-developed production fits well with the band's BritPop leanings.
While vis-à-vis is keygrip's first proper release, Michael Di Lalla had put together the original keygrip debut (The Unaimed Arrow Never Misses) a few years ago. This is one of those "lost albums" as this release got shelved as Michael was severely injured after being hit by a car shortly after completing this disc. keygrip is planning on releasing this disc later in the year.
No tour dates are announced yet but keygrip is planning on touring the Northeast throughout the summer.
hi michael....HEY LISTEN TO MY BAND: SANTANA CHILL OUT CAFÉ: ELECTROBOLERO, LOUNGE,
ECUADORIAN BEATS AND DOWN TEMPO FROM AMBATO, ECUADOR, SOUTH
AMERICA...ESCUCHA NUESTRA NUEVA CANCIÓN. "MI ENFERMEDAD" EN HOMENAJE AL
CLUB MACARÁ DE AMBATO, CON LA VOZ DE PATRICIO EDMUNDO
MANTILLA..BYE..jUANO