greenfield - bloodthirsty

Grenfield

Bloodthirsty
self-released; 2014

3.8 out of 5

By Ethan Skelton

Paul Greenfield Dally began writing and recording to the tune of a four-track over ten years ago. Humble garage beginnings gave way to up and coming shows around the Washington area. Dally teamed up with two other great musicians and the aptly named Greenfield blossomed, eventually relocating to the more vibrant scene of Brooklyn.

Dally keeps things provocative with his classy punk themed rock in this five-track album Bloodthirsty. One can hear recurring topics of wealth imbalance, war, morality, relationships and fixed norms abound. It reads like a modern day Dylan meets Springsteen. And that says a lot for anyone starting out. Dally’s content of inspiration revolves around subjects that are ever changing and always engaging which makes me confident in his work to come.

“Boys of War” starts things off strong lyrically, but I wasn’t immediately excited musically. That’s where “Daredevil” came in with a gritty bounce. From there the guitar jangled, the vocals punctuated, and the drums were there but very disciplined. Not much changes as the album moves along and it really shouldn’t anyway. The sound is established and that’s one of the biggest things I look for in an artist.

“Neon Flamingo” has a great chorus and fun phrasing and it’s probably the breeziest tune on the record. There is an air of calm in every note like a sleepy Ramones track. To finish things off with a spark, “B.A.” marches in with swung drums and biting guitar. The post-chorus progression is powerful but unfortunately brief. I would love to hear it further developed and even reprised, but two-and-a-half minutes only gives you so much time.

All in all, Bloodthirsty is a treat for the socially conscious and rebellious at heart. I leave you with one question. Where’s the second ‘t’ in the album title on the cover? Is it a typo just for kicks? Whatever the case, you remember it. And that’s what it’s all about.

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