Name Sayers Raise The Bar On Their Latest Album “Joyboys in the Grindhouse”
By: Chris Buxton IG: @chrisbuxtonllg
When it comes to music, I live for artists & bands that are pushing the boundaries. I want to feel something when I hear your music, and I want the music to delve into the personal thoughts and minds of its creators. Over the last decade, I have seen music have highs and some lows as well, but I want to highlight one of my favorite recent finds the Name Sayers. The Name Sayers are a 4-piece experimental rock band who have a sound that can be described as Psychedelic Americana with an edge. They are innovative, and they are known for their genre bending sound that also has elements of hip-hop & synth-pop. Now, they debut on our pages with the delicious new album “Joyboys in the Grindhouse”.
Name Sayers' personnel includes Devin James Fry on vocals and various instruments, Grant Himmler on bass, Garrett Hellman on guitar, and Marc Henry on drums. With roots that trace back to Austin in 2018, the band has continued to build a dedicated following. Their music is raw and it touches on topics such as sex, psychonautic tour experiences, self-medication for social anxiety, and the resiliency which can result from sustained political resistance. They can’t be caged.
“Joyboys in the Grindhouse” is a reflective album that can be described as introspective while also being outward-looking. With production from Grammy nominee Grant Eppley (for Spoon’s “Lucifer On The Sofa”), the album marks a pop evolution for the band, while also having elements of their trademark sound. For me, my favorite songs are “We Multiply”, “Reaper”, & “Other Lives”. “We Mulitply” is a bold and album defining song. Name Sayers vocalist, Devin, pierces through the synth laced production with his smooth vocal tone. His performance is exceptional. The only thing I wish is that the song was longer because it’s so good. “Reaper” is a vibrant pop tempered by melancholic storytelling. For me, this was my favorite track on the album. I loved the pacing, sonic arrangement, and overall direction from a lyrical standpoint. “Other Lives” is a melancholic, jangly rock masterpiece that’s carried by sweet harmonies, engaging percussion, and the electric guitars are infectious. “Joyboys in the Grindhouse” is an 11-track masterpiece, and it is one of the most impressive albums I have hear this year. So, stream the album below and rock out!
