Grabass Charlestons

While the raspy, gravel-voiced Will Thomas may call up the ghosts of many a Gainesville-band past, the energetic, slightly sloppy pop punk that backs his spirited vocal delivery helps set Grabass apart from much of the No Idea catalogue. With the emphasis on the punk portion of the pop punk equation, the band pound out 13 memorable, melodic, and powerful tunes in just under 30 minutes, keeping things simple and never straying from their intended message or musical idea. With more than a few side references to other Gainesville bands, the sense of cohesion and friendship that pervades the whole record gives it an immensely positive feeling, even when the subject at hand is a dysfunctional romantic relationship or the popularity of cocaine in Atlanta.