Griffin RL - Smile

Perth, Australia

Griffin RL defies categorisation and draws inspiration from numerous iconic bands, and then bottles up every ounce of creativity to let it explode across a slightly dark and immensely heavy soundscape on his track Smile.

We have drawn-out, throaty vocals that make their way through a structured smashing of instrumentals. Smile emphasizes feelings of hopelessness and heart-wrenching, soul-numbing intensity that sprout with complete vulnerability. Griffin RL delivers an addictive hit of longing, a need for approval, and a remedy that is only found within two upward curves of simplicity: a single smile.

Each verse climbs into a higher octave, the tempo builds, and the guitar strums kick into final gear as Griffin RL bursts into infectious emotion, leaning into the final lap of expression and leading to an outro climax. It's accelerated, volatile, sudden, and beautifully sharp!

“Over the years, I’ve created and listened to an array of different genres and musical styles. I was brought up on Jeff Buckley, Gorillaz, Leonard Cohen, and Frank Zappa, just to name a few. The inspiration for Smile came from an obsession with a heavier style of music that occurred throughout my adolescence and into my early adulthood. The attention-grabbing lyricism and songwriting of some of the earlier influences I mentioned, combined with the distorted landscapes of bands like Bring Me the Horizion, Citizen, Deafheaven, and The Story So Far, inspired me to create something that reflected the isolation and anguish I felt at the time of writing.” - Griffin RL

Recorded and mixed by the seasoned hands of Matt Templeman, whose fingers have adorned projects by Sly Withers and Pot Plant House Party, Smile finds its sonic home. Then there's the touch of Michael "Jelly" Jelinek, who completed the mastering, elevating Smile to new heights.

“The track was recorded and mixed by Matt Templeman (Sly Withers, Pot Plant House Party, late 90’s) and mastered by Michael “Jelly” Jelinek (Psychedelic Porn Crumpets). Over time, I have maintained a good friendship with both of these creatives. Matt’s undeniable ability and perfectionism made him the ideal engineer for my process, and I’m thrilled with the sound we formed in the studio together. Meanwhile, Jelly is an absolute master of his craft (no pun intended). His work on the track added a real oomph to the final product, and I couldn’t now imagine it sounding any other way.” - Griffin RL

With a couple of musical gems under his belt, Griffin RL has created space for more variety in the near future. Stay in the loop and keep Smile in your rotation.

UNCVRD 2024

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