"ME"TAL 101: Michale Graves Collision Course

 

Last time we spoke with Michale Graves (see interview here), we took an in depth look at the monster rock anthology, THE LOST SKELETON RETURNS. What an incredible album that is and I implore you to pick it up. We cut three years to the present and Michale has recently released one of my favorite albums of the year. Michale is scheduled to appear in Providence, RI on May 1st at the Firehouse 13 venue. We were fortunate to catch up with Michale about his new album "When Worlds Collide" and I may have even tossed in a few personal requests for that Providence date to boot.

HMT: When we last talked you were set to release Lost Skeleton Returns. When Worlds Collide seems to bring together the energies of both that album and the Vagabond/Wanderer albums. Is that in a sense the "Worlds" that are colliding on this?

MG:Wow, I am really pleased and impressed. That is EXACTLY what we were going for with this album – that’s why we named it “When Worlds Collide”. This is pure convergence.

HMT:You've always seemed really confident as a singer/songwriter but I have to say as I hear each new album you seem to feel even more comfortable in your skin. Can you pinpoint any changes in your personal life that have attributed to this maturation process?

MG:Having a team around me I have been with Hydraulic Entertainment for almost 4 years now – its incredible to be part of a team. And having my business partner and collaborator Mark Allen Stuart (CEO of HE) creates the perfect environment for creative expression.

HMT:As a long time Michale Graves era misfits fan, I want to personally thank you for your sequel to Crying on a Saturday night with Dying on a Sunday Morning. Your music defines very special moments in my life and "Dying" has become a personal bookmark on this specific moment in my own life. What inspired you to write this sequel?

MG: Thank you. Mark had the idea of extending the story..and creating a next chapter in that story – it was a tough challenge – but I am really happy with the result! Oh and a little insider info….we have just announced that we are going to produce an acoustic version of WWC… titled “Bedlam”… coming to you in early June.and there is a surprise for you on the album….if you liked “DOSM”

HMT: I'm truly excited that you are playing Providence once again on this tour. I heard only great things about your last time in the area and I'm finally going to be able to see you for the first time since the late 90's with the 'fits. What are your memories of playing in the Rhode Island area and can we expect the unexpected when you come back to town?(side note) I'm requesting "ROBOT MONSTER" as well as "Dying"...just saying!

MG: I cant wait to play that show! Make those requests! We are ready to play them!!!

HP LOVECRAFT

HMT: Lastly since we are talking about Providence and you gave us awesome incite into your favorite horror movies last time we talked. Are you an HP Lovecraft fan and will you be visiting his grave at the famous Swan Point Cemetary if you are?

MG: Yes I am a huge fan. HPL is on my list of “10 people to have dinner with”. Never visited his resting place – would be incredible.

HMT: Thank you so much once again Michale. We only receive great feedback when we let our readers know about what you are up to and promote your music. See you in May.

MG: Richard…thank you!

Michale Graves will be headlining his current tour at Firehouse 13 on May 1st in Providence, RI. Don't miss this chance to hear the best Punk Rock Music around!!!!

Michale Graves Links 
Official Website:
http://www.michalegraves.net/

Purchase Official Merchandise:

http://hydraulic-entertainment.com/shophyrdraulic/

Hydraulic Entertainment Website:

http://www.hydraulic-entertainment.com/
Michale's Facebook:
www.facebook.com/michalegraves

Quick Cd Review - Michale Graves - When Worlds Collide

When Worlds Collide

Michale Graves

I'll admit it, it's a rare moment when I find myself smiling while listening to a new album all the way through. The latest album by Michale Graves will give fans of both his solo work and the Misfits a lot to smile about. I literally felt a swelling joy hearing every track for the first time. I can only compare it to seeing an old friend again after a long absence and feeling like time had not passed.

Don't confuse my words with this album sounding anything like any of his previous material or trying to cover any of the same old ground. There is indeed an amazing sequel to the classic "Crying on a Saturday Night'. That specific track means a whole lot to me as a fan. I can recall the very first time I heard it and cherish those care free years when I was not worried about all the stuff you deal with as an adult. "Dying on a Sunday Morning" puts a nice wax stamp on those old days and is quickly becoming a bookmark on the "adultness" of now. It's somber and new. "I felt fine til I heard our song"...man those lyrics.

Back to the rest of the album. There is not one track that you'd ever consider skipping over or calling it filler. This is concise coming in a bit over the thirty minute mark. There is a really full sound to the album that makes the listening experience very warm and upbeat even if the material isn't particularly cheery. "I walk with a zombie" is another favorite off this album, it has the underlying Johnny Cash vibe mixed in with the classic Graves spirit. This album succeeds where the Misfits "red rain" album failed. Graves does not try to replicate a fifties or sixties vibe but that cadence naturally shows up in a a track like "Old Dark Horse" especially when he sings "I might just find what's missing in your eyes".

"Robot Monster" is a dirgey tune that fits the character and spirit of a mysterious being, real or sci fi, coyly trying to gain the admiration of it's target. The plodding and crunch places you beneath the skin of the character in a very clever way musically.

After all these years as a fan of Michale Graves, I've never compared the man or his music to the Misfits previous lead singer Glenn Danzig. "The Face behind the Mask" immediately brought to mine Danzig 3's classic band lineup. The swagger and sexiness of the musicianship in particular is fantastic! That's where any comparisons stop as Graves owns this song and makes me want to just tear down some burning walls with a sledgehammer. He knows how to write to the strengths of all the monsters that inhabit this album. 

I'm telling you this album has everything that I want to hear from Michale and the band. If there was an apocalyptic fall out, Michale Graves would be the only person I'd allow to write a new national anthem for a country run by the walking undead....(some would say we are already are but lets not get into politics or Sanders supporters) The album closes out with the awesome title track "When Worlds Collide". Rocking guitar riffs, sincere lyrics about the end of time and a rhythm that makes me want to dance as the electrical grid slowly fades across the globe. Buy this album now. Don't wait. Life's short and you never know when you'll leave that closet door open ajar, just enough to let one of the monsters crawl into your bedroom and steal all your cool stuff.

BUY THE ALBUM  HERE!