With an incredibly distinct voice and the ability to mine relatively minimal instrumentation for sonic depth and richness, Elsinore frontman Ryan Groff turns in one of the best solo records of the year with People in the Midwest. Classically trained in both voice and piano, Groff possesses a quavering, otherworldly tenor (which has, understandably, brought on Jeff Buckley comparisons) and it is his immediately engaging vocals that serve as guide through eight exquisite tunes which alternate between sparse folk and mature indie-rock textures. The essence of Groff’s sound and vocal presence are captured best on the quiet beauty of “Polly” and on “Haiti”, a more rock oriented track which features an almost transcendent, supernatural vocal turn by Groff; the track evolves as it goes, ending with an ambient, almost trance-like layering of vocals. Other album highlights include the trembling interplay between guitar and vocal on “Landlocked” and basic yet shimmering arrangement of “Gasoline”. People in the Midwest is one of those rare albums that, soft and fragile as it is, sweeps the listener away into Groff’s world and melds their experience with his own. This record is a beautiful, expressive, often emotionally moving statement from Groff that deserves to be heard. -Aarik Danielsen, Pop Matters
To describe Ryan Groff's music is to squeeze the life out of it. Analyzing it is too cut and dry, for his music is lush and vividly alive in his storytelling. His music is expressive and rich with lucid lyrics, accompanied by a slightly folk approach with the sound of his acoustic guitar. While his lyrics have a lot to say, his voice is reminiscent of Elliott Smith and Jeff Buckley.
-Caitlin Cremer, buzz Weekly
With an incredibly distinct voice and the ability to mine relatively minimal instrumentation for sonic depth and richness, Elsinore frontman Ryan Groff turns in one of the best solo records of the year with People in the Midwest. Classically trained in both voice and piano, Groff possesses a quavering, otherworldly tenor (which has, understandably, brought on Jeff Buckley comparisons) and it is his immediately engaging vocals that serve as guide through eight exquisite tunes which alternate between sparse folk and mature indie-rock textures. The essence of Groff’s sound and vocal presence are captured best on the quiet beauty of “Polly” and on “Haiti”, a more rock oriented track which features an almost transcendent, supernatural vocal turn by Groff; the track evolves as it goes, ending with an ambient, almost trance-like layering of vocals. Other album highlights include the trembling interplay between guitar and vocal on “Landlocked” and basic yet shimmering arrangement of “Gasoline”. People in the Midwest is one of those rare albums that, soft and fragile as it is, sweeps the listener away into Groff’s world and melds their experience with his own. This record is a beautiful, expressive, often emotionally moving statement from Groff that deserves to be heard.
-Aarik Danielsen,Pop Matters
I edited my profile with Thomas Myspace Editor V4.4 (www.strikefile.com/myspace)
hey all!!! its Jacob from DeKalb and the House cafe... i am contacting you because this summer my band is going to be hosting the 4th annual outdoor summer party of the year!!! and we would love to have you guys come out and be a part of this super fun supper underground festival!!!
the dates are july 24th and 25th the location will only be disclosed if you are interested... last year there was 700 people there... this year we expect way over 1000. payment would be minimal ... but you would be VIP (food, lodging, booze and free entry for each of you, crew, and 3 friends etc. for both days of the festival. i lost my phone so please shoot me your number again and let me know what you think!!!
I realize that it's highly doubtful that you'd remember me but I just wanted to drop a line and say hello....we went to Eastern together. I enjoyed your shows back then so I suppose I owe Shane a thanks for talking my best friend and I into that first encounter :) hope all is well.
Claire and I have returned from our 3 month EU& UK tour. So, I just posted a note about what's going on with The Bowmans on facebook... and then I started writing a mass email... and then I decided against it... so I'm doing this instead. (begging) Will you visit my profile page to help me spread the word, pretty please??? We have a sneak preview of the new album (Produced by Malcolm Burn, Mastered by Greg Calbi) up for 5 days only… and it can be bought within the next 5 days only!
happy new year! hope this year is beauuuutiiiful! just want to send some ryan groff appreciation: pretty voice, pretty music forever. even though i have moved to NYC, i am still a fan!
hullo friend! i hope you got my card! sad you won't make it to my birthday craziness in champaign, but i'm coming back up to the city on the day off (10th). word is you's guys have a show in chicago that night.... :)
Ryan!!!! it's been a year already since we did that Yard of Blonde Girls together at the Metro.......thinking of you....happy thoughts are sent your way. And a hug xoCatherine
Ryan Groff we are in serious withdrawal...we went to a local concert Friday and I spent much of the show thinking how much we miss your voice and your very self...and that it's a perfect venue for you, and/or Elsinore to come play...come come to Western Massachusetts please- we need a Ryan fix!!!
hey Ryan, Thanks for sending me my shoes! The tour was great, staying at your place was definitely one of the highlights. We look forward to seeing you soon somehow! -mike
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