photo courtesy of The Gravel Project
Album Review of The Gravel Project: Find What You Need
The Gravel Project are Andrew Gravel (vocals, guitar, songwriter), Jordan Gravel (keyboards), Dave Fox (drums), Eguie Castrillo (percussion), Brad Barrett (bass), and Jen Kearney (vocals), while Jesse Williams earned the bass credit on Find What You Need. The artists, who each have their own highly regarded projects outside of the band, come together in The Gravel Project to form a sort of psychedelic-infused, blues-based, classic rock supergroup. And the region has noticed. The Gravel Project was named Blues Act of the Year at the 2025 New England Music Awards.
image courtesy of The Gravel Project
The record opens with the rhythmic thumping and organwork that leads into “Love the Life,” a classic psychedelic rock number that’s a great example of the power of Gravel-Kearney vocal harmonies during the chorus. Now, I’m not saying it sounds like Jefferson Airplane, but it reminds of that and similar ’60s/’70s rock bands; it wouldn’t take much to fit it into their or similar bands’ repertoires. But The Gravel Project’s sound is richer, fuller – more modernly produced – giving “Love the Life” an electric energy that makes it a quick favorite; music fans who prefer vocals, guitars, keys, or percussion would each be able to find a reason to jam to this cool number.
The band slows the tempo a bit on the next song, “Stay with Me,” its rich organ-filled opening and song-long soundbed supporting the song’s smooth pleading. Though the tempo never picks up, it’s a slow song with hooks, memorable vocal delivery, and broad appeal, as it would fit in set lists ranging from pure blues to blues-based classic rock. And, with maybe a slightly different arrangement, pop-rock, although I really think The Gravel Project’s engaging performance of this song, as is, would be a hit with those audiences, too.
photo by Ian Urquhart; photo courtesy of The Gravel Project
“Worse for Wear,” next, is a thumping, jangly, theater-stage type of rockin’ blues number. It’s all about the bass line and the vocal wails as differentiators, even as the drums drive the tempo changes and the keyboards provide the song’s baseline sound. It’s followed by more of a blues dirge, “How Long,” though to be honest, I kind of hear shades of Thunder’s Danny Bowes (a much bluesier rocker than the band’s two U.S. hits in ’90/’91 might suggest, though if you listen, the evidence is there) in this vocal delivery, too; not surprising, I guess, since I mostly favor Thunder’s more blues-influenced rock songs. “So Sad” follows, stylistically fitting between the two previous tracks, with a funky blues rhythm as its backbone.
The album takes a slight turn on the next number, “Who Did You Think You Were,” with its Steve Winwood-esque, ’70s/’80s-esque (his solo era) soft, radio-ready, cool rock vibe; it also serves as a great fit for the easygoing, soft-tempo, enjoyable guitar noodling in the extraordinarily long solo starting just past the song’s midpoint. Like I said, though, there’s a sweet, soft sound to this song, something that would have had pop crossover appeal during the time period I’m referencing. (Since rediscovering great old music is an increasingly popular thing for the newest generations of music listeners, that pop-friendliness may actually be important once again.)
photo by Ian Urquhart; photo courtesy of The Gravel Project
The Gravel Project turns to a funk rhythm again on “Shadows into Shame,” blended with a return to a more psychedelic feel. Next, “Find What You Need” is a bit more classic rock-styled, its slow-paced, steady, relentless rhythmic advancement akin to favorite album tracks from classic rock’s heyday and, particularly, reminiscent of some of my favorite newer work from some old ’80s rockers. And, oh, man, that blues-rock axework is perfect for just closing your eyes and soaking it in. Be sure to listen for some cool percussion runs during the extended guitar solo in the back half of this one, too.
The mood changes completely for the next number, “In the Moonlight,” a hold-up-your-lighter-and-sway ballad that’s ideal for an arena concert. And if you want an extra-long slow dance at an event with a dance-floor, make sure the DJ has this song ready to roll. Not only is it a cool, swaying number with character, but it clocks in at more than seven minutes, so make sure you’re dancing with someone you want to spend some time embracing.
photo by Ian Urquhart; photo courtesy of The Gravel Project
The Gravel Project closes Find What You Need near the album’s sonic center, with a jangly, thumping, blues-rock number “Blues for LA” providing a fitting sendoff.
There isn’t a weak leak on Find What You Need, an enjoyable listen from beginning to end, befitting the talented musicians assembled, with plenty of variance throughout what I’d probably classify as a blues-based classic rock album, though I wouldn’t begrudge blues fans from calling it a blues record, either, and if the final song title is any indication, as well as the band winning NEMA’s Blues Act of the Year award, I may be in the minority in my opinion. In the end, though, it doesn’t really matter. The most important point is that this is an exceptional record you’ve absolutely gotta hear.
Looking Ahead
This is obviously a band that’ll rock the house live, so I’d suggest keeping an eye on the “tour” section of The Gravel Project’s website. At the moment, it only lists a single show, December 19th at the Lizard Lounge in Cambridge, MA. If you’re in the area, I’m know it’ll be an exceptional way to spend a Friday night.
Also, keep an eye out in the coming months for our review of Jen Kearney’s new album Gas Station Poet. You may recall we reviewed Jen’s single “Long Division” earlier this year; we look forward to sharing our thoughts with you about Jen’s cool new full-length release when it reaches the top of our review queue.
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