Band's List Stoner The Grand Astoria Omnipresence

The Grand Astoria define their sound as “Punk Rock". I guess it's okay to see some influences from British icons The Clash with a “Punk” that is classier and more velvety than let’s say The Sex Pistols or any other crustier band. Taking their name from an old hotel in St Petersburg, The Grand Astoria do so willingly and I guess the “lounge” attribute is not far. So yes, it’s got balls and yes it's energetic but it's not music to vomit your last beer or to listen to in some decrepit abandoned building with bastard dogs sniffing your girlfriend spread-eagled drunk on the concrete.

Many influences, actually, may be heard when listening to Omnipresence. Sometimes there's a definite Stoner rock / Southern rock feel giving them some welcome Doom sound, sometimes they edge on psychedelic with exquisite wah wah effects on the guitars. Sometimes, you'll hear Monster Magnet, sometimes some RATM/FNM pop'ish touches.

This is a very classy album that rapidly will grow on you provided you’re not immune to some melodies or less aggressive metal. Definitely a good surprise considering they come from ass-frozen Russia, which lately seem to produce only Funeral Doom bands and/or Pagan NSBM worthless acts.

Check out their myspace, it's definitely worth it. They will soon tour Europe extensively and I bet you that this band is worth seeing live. Probably even more than on record and preferably with a little high!