GRATTO
Eclectic Prog • United States
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Despite the somewhat Italian ring to the name, GRATTO is a Pennsylvania-based quartet named after John Gratto, a keyboard player/vocalist who once auditioned for LÉGER DE MAIN. That's where he met brothers Brett (drums) and Chris Rodler (guitars). Although the band decided not to use him, they worked together for three years in the late 90's, eventually enlisting RH FACTOR's keyboard/bass player Gary Madras to jam with them. Madras then decided to split and GRATTO-the-band fell apart. But a tape of their sessions still existed; it was found "stuffed between last year's Christmas ornaments and discarded baby clothes" some seven years later. Chris Rodler brought the tapes to his studio, added a few finishing touches and released the album ("Anakin Tumnus") on his own PMM label.
The result is a smoking 39-minute CD made up of three epic tracks that flow together seamlessly, each showing almost immaculate song writing and played with an impressive and uncommon intensity. Throughout the album, Gratto's keyboards and Chris Rodler's guitars are intricately intertwined while drummer Brett Rodler and bassist Gary Madras engage in some fine jazzy interplay. The compositions are melodically intricate, metrically complex and extremely diverse in moods. This is innovative, aggressive prog, a bit over the top at times but all for the right reasons. Call it symphonic prog with a strong prog metal influence.
Fans of VDGG, YES, RUSH, KING CROMSON and ECHOLYN will have a field day with these guys. Highly recommended.
: : : Lise (HIBOU), CANADA : : :
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GRATTO Reviews
Showing last 10 reviews only
Gratto Eclectic Prog
Review by
kev rowland
Special Collaborator Crossover Team

Chris came across the tapes by accident and decided to work through them to see if there was anything that should be released and instead of going for a lengthy epic has instead released an album that is only thirty six minutes long, containing just three numbers. But even though this album is so short (in relative terms) it contains far more ideas than many prog albums could ever hope to achieve. It is extremely complex yet retaining melody, while branching and splitting off into myriad ideas time and again.
It is an album that really has to be listened to otherwise the music just washes over the top. There is so much going on that at times it conjures up images of classic Genesis but sounds absolutely nothing like them at all. I am a huge fan of Spock's Beard, as you all well know, but this album sounds far more mature with much greater depth. It definitely proves to Flower Kings that it is all about quality, not quantity.
This album is already starting to make a stir in prog circles and you will kick yourself if you don't get in on the act.
Originally appeared in Feedback #72, Feb 03
Gratto Eclectic Prog
Review by
b_olariu
Prog Reviewer

Gratto Eclectic Prog
Review by
Mellotron Storm
Prog Reviewer

The album opens with "Passage Of Time" which you would swear sounds like a Neal Morse song. At least the intro does I should say. Fragile vocals and piano for 40 seconds. A fuller sound and faster tempo arrives 1 1/2 minutes in. The guitar is great. Vocals and a calm a minute later before the song kicks back in even heavier than before. I love the guitar 4 1/2 minutes in, and check out the bass ! The drumming is fantastic ! The sound is nice and heavy before 8 minutes. It's funny when he gives a statement about God followed by a quick outburst of heaviness. This happens many times in a row. It's like he's at his wits end.
"Call And Response" opens with piano that is joined by reserved vocals. A full sound with louder vocals takes over. This contrast continues. The vocals become theatrical 5 1/2 minutes in.The heaviness is great before 7 minutes. An absolutely ripping guitar solo after 8 minutes. The last minute of the song is pastoral with piano and acoustic guitar. "Shift" opens with strummed guitar. The tempo picks up and the sound becomes fuller 2 minutes in. The bass is prominant as it settles back down. The song continues to develope and change until 13 minutes in when a heavy rhythm arrives. A RUSH feel to the guitar to follow. Some killer drum work after 15 minutes. The final minute reminds me of the intro on the first track. Too sweet for my tastes.
I'm going to have to check out LEGER DE MAIN, the Rodler brothers are incredible. I found the vocals a little on the weak side at times on this record, and too many non-heavy parts as well. Haha. I still think this is a good one though.
Gratto Eclectic Prog
Review by
loserboy
Prog Reviewer
