In Rotation: Grey Matter - Climbing Out

Depending who you ask, there are six or seven (or some finite number) types of conflict in literature. The idea being that there are some truths that are so universal that any story would boil down to one of these categories. Put Grey Matter’s Climbing Out firmly in the Person Versus Society pile. Put 2020 in the Person Versus Society pile.

From increased attention on structural racism to this country’s woeful response to the pandemic, it feels like each citizen is facing their own personal Me Versus Society horror show.

Climbing Out listens like a call to action directed specifically at you. The opening sound clip from Network sets the tone: “I want you to get up right now and go to the window. Open it, and stick your head out, and yell: ‘I’m as mad as hell, and I’m not gonna take this anymore!’” The first line of “Not My Friend” immediately builds on this sentiment. “Call out your racist friends/It's not just a joke when they actually believe it.”

Vocals are spoken in a charged up style reminiscent of Bomb the Music Industry and Big D & the Kids Table. The horns and guitars carry the choppy texture of goof punx. Did I mention that this is a ska album? This is the year of ska, after all, with Bad Time Records leading the way. Michigan’s Grey Matter follow in the tradition of the offbeat, head-scratching ska of Blue Meanies.

“Dang! (Love Yourself)” wraps the standout line “Be yourself, don’t compromise” with punchy instrumental backing. The album ends on an encouraging note, with a chant of "We’re still here, we’re still here.” If there is one positive we can come away with this year, that’s it. We’re still here.

Listen to Climbing Out below.