The Grip Weeds

"Maybe it is easier to describe this band-- which gets its name from Private Grip Weed, John Lennon's character in the film How I Won The War-- as being on a mission to capture what is best about '60s group music for a new audience in the coming millennium."

- Goldmine

Full bio: As the cover of their newest disc Giant on the Beach illustrates, the Grip Weeds have let the ýgenie out of the bottleý, conjuring up their most compelling work to date: thirteen self-penned songs that are at once powerful, mystical, beautiful and original. Following last yearýs reissue of The Sound Is In You, which provided Little Steven with a "Coolest Song in the World" for his nationally-syndicated radio shows, Giant on the Beach, their fourth album, is a giant step forward for the Grip Weeds, and lifts their multilayered psychedelic pop-rock to new heights.

Brothers Rick and Kurt Reil grew up playing music together in Central New Jersey, and their strong musical and familial bond ultimately gave birth to the Grip Weeds. They both share singing and songwriting duties, which gives Grip Weeds songs a depth and scope beyond many other bands; their close-knit harmony vocals evoke the tightness of the Everlys. A capable lead singer, Kurt is also a powerhouse drummer, pounding out grooves and fills with the precision of a sober Keith Moon, while Rick alternates between crashing power chords and delicate 12-string riffs. Joining them on this musical magic carpet ride is Kristin Pinell, who honed her skills with such notable bands as the Rooks. She is the rarest of all musical beings: the female lead guitarist. As there are few female guitar heroes in Rock, Kristinýs singular style draws more from Page, Clapton and George Harrison. On stage and in the studio, Kristin and her gold-top Gibson imbue the most raging rock riffs with a transcendent harmonic beauty. New to the fold is ultra-melodic bassist Michael Kelly, who contributes peerless musicianship and an exciting stage presence, as well as the ability to play cello or score an orchestra if needed.