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“Superfine bridges the gap between singer-songwriter
introspection and alt. rock edge. Rob Grad presents his own world in a way
that places you in front of the mirror. It’s refreshing aside today’s
homogenized mainstream sound.”
-Scott Donnell, DW Drums
Formed in 1999 as a studio project by Rob Grad, this Venice, California based band combines inspired songwriting, clever lyrics, and alternate guitar tunings to create its own brand of modern rock.
Superfine has just released their second cd–”Unsound” which has been met with positive reviews from press, radio and the music industry at large. This self-produced album was recorded entirely in Rob’s living room and kitchen yet the sound quality holds up to anything you’ll hear on contemporary radio. By using everyday utensils in an unusual musical capacity, the sound is as innovative as it is exciting!
Focused on the idea of being as self-supporting as possible in today’s unstable music business, Rob is using the internet as a means of promoting his music globally, and is ever increasing his live show schedule locally.
Rob was the bass player and a main songwriter in early 90’s RCA act Kik Tracee–a time he remembers fondly. “We got signed right out of high school. Everyone has a first band. Ours just got further than some. I hadn’t even heard a Sonic Youth song yet.” The first time he did hear a Sonic Youth song, however, it changed his life. “I remember sitting there thinking, ‘I didn’t know you could do this.’” Later, Jane’s Addiction, Nirvana and Jeff Buckley all provided similar revelations in his musical development. Soon after that first Sonic Youth moment, it became obvious to Rob that he could no longer continue on the same artistic path, so he picked up the guitar, started singing, and left Kik Tracee to start out on his own.
Using a similiar outside-the-box view of his band structure as he does in his songwriting, Rob spawned Superfine, more an extended family of musicians than a traditional band. “I’ve always been surrounded by such talented people, the standard band structure just seemed confining.” Since its inception, Superfine has recorded 2 cds, a 7” vinyl single, and has appeared on the soundtrack to the television show “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” which has sold over 200,000 copies to date.
Superfine is currently back in the studio as well as experimenting with new avenues of internet promotion for their music....
Look for Superfine live in Los Angeles–or find them on the web–NOW!
Indie-Music.com
http://indie-music.com
This
record is edgy, it’s frenetically-paced and beautifully interlaced with
heady riffs and dark sentiment. It seems almost inescapable. There has to
be a “Buffy” mention in probably almost every review Rob Grad
and Superfine are going to receive. But my mention, legitimately, comes on
the heels of having just seen the actual band performing on the show, in full
rerun regalia, at about 2am the other morning. Cocking my head to one side,
I thought “Now where have I heard this song before?” and then
the synapse finally fired and I went to dig the Superfine album out of the
ever-growing stack of CDs waiting “to be reviewed” in limbo.
Superfine puts a stranglehold on its influences, ranging from Sonic Youth,
Foo Fighters, Jeff Buckley, and Nirvana, brings it to a boil, and cooks up
some of the tastiest, and most intoxicating songs on Unsound. There’s
no pompous overproduction, but the sound is so grand, at times, that it’s
a marvel and a constant surprise to listen to. Spin this one around as many
times as you want, but there’s always going to be a little something
that you didn’t notice earlier, so in effect, this is the recording
gift that keeps on giving.
This record is edgy, it’s frenetically-paced and beautifully interlaced
with heady riffs and dark sentiment. The subtext is well beyond subtle, with
lyrics that push and pull the melodies around until Grad, and bandmate Kevin
Keller, put them in their bloody place. This is just a really fun record to
listen to, and one that will be inhabiting my own disc player for many moons
to come.
Standout tracks: “Who’s the Enemy?”, “Share My Vein”,
“Masters of Fuc”
Alternative Rock Review
http://www.entertainment.inuk.com
Like a cross between the Foo Fighters and Therapy? Superfine write super-catchy
and dangerously infectious songs that buzz in your head incessantly for days.
If you're a fan of "Buffy The Vampire Slayer" then you might have
seen the band's live performance on the show. The song 'Already Met You' was
featured on the Buffy soundtrack, which fits in with the whole American "College
Rock" style. And this full-length album contains a striking collection
of tuneful compositions from guitarist/vocalist Rob Grad, who, as the band
website informs us, owns over 75 pairs of pajamas. Along with main-man Rob
are long time band members Kevin Keller and Kane McGee.
Songs like 'Who's The Enemy?' don't waste time with spitting out hooks galore
with telling lyrics like "If misery is God let the angels sing, now who's
your enemy?" 'Soft & Beautiful' contains a dirty bass line and several
shifts of tempo at an unrelenting pace. It's not just high energy "power-pop"
as '7 Degrees' takes it's foot off the pedal to deliver a semi-ballad showing
the band's diversity. And that's just the first three tracks! The even better
'Share My Vein' is like Sunny Real Estate at their most ethereal, and 'Masters
Of Fuc' employs some trippy beats to the mix, before soaring on the chorus.
The pace quickens again on '99 Cent Whore' comparable to Everclear at their
most vigorous. Easy highlight 'Naked In All The Wrong Places' has a delicious
chorus, the most energetic song since the opening one-two of like 'Who's The
Enemy?' and 'Soft & Beautiful'. Rounding off 'Unsound' with the biggest
departure on the album, 'V8' is a slow dirge with slamming effects and choir
backing. After the last notes played, I'm left totally satisfied with the
album, there's everything - power-pop workouts, beautiful ballads and plenty
of catchy hooks in abundance. Without doubt one of the best albums I've reviewed
for this page, make no mistake.
Music Mayhem
http://www.musicmayhem.com
This
is from former bass player for Kik Tracee Rob Grad. This is the first I've
heard Superfine...and I'm very impressed. I can't get this cd out of my player.
I interviewed (Rob) a few years back, and he didn't want talk about the past
much, and I see why.. Its got that "new, rock pop" feel.. great
lyrics, catchy songs, and it's just a great all around record.. Rob wrote
the album, sang, played guitar and produced it... I see no reason not to hear
all this on the radio now.. almost every song is commercial enough, and would
fit right in next to the likes of everyone from Goo Goo Dolls, Blink 182,
to Simple Plan and Everclear.. I actually like this more, then most the new
bands.. But don't take my word for it.. go to the site, and check it out for
yourself. This is not a c.d. to be missed.. I think it may also be my favorite
one this year.......
Medazzarock
http://www.medazzarock.com
Question:
Why didn’t find this band the way to Europe yet!?!? Upon a request they
recorded a song for the show "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" where the
band performed live and in 1999 they were on the Buffy-Soundtrack. This "multifaceted
neo-rock" – Album (self titled by the singer / guitarist / producer
and passionate pajama-wearer Rob Grad) is a real winner! In those 38 minutes
- which are unfortunately really too less - I dedicated my time and ears just
listening to it. Great songwriting and amazing voice. Here we go with "Who's
The Enemy?", which promises a rocky next half hour. With song no. 4 "Betsy
Went Flying" we go more direction to a fast pop song, after that the
slow and atmospheric "Share My Vein", right after that SUPERFINE
rock the house with "Masters of Fuc". Song 8 "The Calling"
is a beautiful slow earwig. Fans of Elbow or Powderfinger should give this
album a try!!! 9 points (Angie)
THERE'AS AN INTERVIEW this week at metal-sludge.com
with rob grad about the past and present.
http://www.metal-sludge.com/20QuestionsRobGrad.htm
