Gray Mount – Gray Mount (EP Review)

Vibrant rock punch from a rock trio.

Ever heard of Gray Mount? No? No problem. Gray Mount is a rock trio formed in late 2023 by guitarist and vocalist Mitch Wessell, bassist Isaac Moore, and drummer Owen Duff. The band usually gets their influences from punk, grunge, and alternative, which creates a unique and eclectic sound. But what is their unique sound?

On their new debut self-titled EP, the trio is more than ready to show you.

The first track, “Casting Shadows,” doesn’t smoothly get you into the vibe of the EP, but rather abruptly hits you with an anarchic feel. And as you go track by track, this anarchy and craziness only get more amplified. The vocalist’s energy truly sounds cathartic as it fills you with this furious yet impactful energy. For instance, a track like “Fall into Myself” feels relentlessly driven and propulsive in its rhythm, driven by Mitch Wessell’s gritty, wailing vocals.

I like how much of the EP is built around this sense of resolution, which easily grants you the emotional payoff that feels so captivating. However, at the same time, the band manages to get into less raw sounds like “All Around,” the tempo of which has a slightly comedic tone to it. However, they choose to implement this sound, the band keeps it tight and frenetic.

Sharp and frenetic are probably the best words to describe this EP. The chemistry throughout the record simply feels tight and dynamic; some of the guitar solos, like on “All Around,” are intentionally murky yet crisp, giving the sound this layered feel. The vibe on these tracks is so abrasive and rapid that it makes you wonder whether this is the band’s debut EP. The noisy, confrontational sounds the band throws into the mix feel so ecstatic yet so wild.

While in general, I dig the whole vibe that the band creates with this off-kilter edge, at times, the vocal inflection sometimes feels like a bit too much for me. The glitchy and complex structures around the songs create a great mixture for a modern perspective on punk rock, but at the same time, it is hard to say if the vocals themselves feel perfectly in sync. From time to time, this intentionally ominous stream-of-consciousness works, but at times it also feels slightly unsettling and too snarling for my taste.

However, I think the best track on this EP is the one that is not filled with constant anarchy and pulsating energy but rather builds it up continuously, and it is the outro track. “Be Found” starts from a note that no other track begins on, making it much more unique and diverse. What differentiates the outro track from others is that it still has the style of the band jumping into their grunge aesthetic. However, this time they do it in a more grandiose way, where they let the crescendo drive all of the action. Starting slowly, the track steadily builds momentum and transforms into this bittersweet punk rock that uses its layered production to its advantage. Very strong track.

In terms of instrumental, this thing is powerful. The instrumentals are bouncy, all over the place, and memorable. They have this mixture of playful but also melancholic feel, particularly the outro track. The subtle surprises layered throughout the tracklist—from sudden guitar solos to shimmering and chaotic instrumentation—all bring their piece of freshness to the EP.

This EP doesn’t want to be subtle, it wants to be heard and talked about. Intentionally gritty sound does its job, giving the band a great opportunity to debut gracefully and respectfully, saying confidently: “Hey—we’re here, and we’re loud!”

Score/Good: I feel like it is a potent EP. It has its moments for sure and certainly indicates that the trio is still experimenting with what to try or what not. For instance, the sudden skit “I Love My Dog” felt so unhinged and bizarre, yet somehow it was a chef’s kiss moment. If you are into some of the fresh, bizarre grunge rock that feels slightly anarchic, you will like Gray Mount’s new EP. If this is not your cup of tea, then consider diversifying your music taste and give it a shot.

[We rank singles, EPs, and albums on a scale of Poor, Mediocre, Good, Excellent, and Outstanding]

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