photo courtesy of Rock Rose Music

by Eric Harabadian, Contributing Blogger

Album Review of The Grand Undoing: Songs for the Sleeping (Secret Candy Rock Records)

image courtesy of Rock Rose Music

Boston-based outfit The Grand Undoing is actually the brainchild of multi-instrumentalist singer-songwriter Seth Goodman. Over the years, Goodman has assembled a revolving door of musical characters that he enjoys making music with. And when he’s ready to craft a new album, he brings on several guests under the moniker The Grand Undoing, and the mystery and cryptic fun ensues from there.

photo courtesy of Rock Rose Music

Songs for the Sleeping is the fifth album in a series that covers various musical terrain such as power pop, psychedelia, and punk. On this current endeavor, some of those musical elements are present, but it’s more intimate and eclectic a la Peter Hammill, Nick Cave, John Cale, Lou Reed, and those similar artists of a individualist nature. It is sort of difficult to define but emotionally and spiritually effective in the way the songs grab you with their own tenor and logic.

There is a darkness and weight in the way in which Goodman delivers the songs. And the accomplished cast of sidemen gives each piece exactly what it needs. “Sing a New Morning” and “I’m Being Called” possess melodic depth, light-handed groove and an ambient feel. “Creature,” “The Knowing,” “The Sun is Stranger,” and “Now I’m Going Home” are particularly captivating in their somewhat subdued pastiche of jazzy interplay, beatnik-like lyrical patter, and cerebral complexity.

photo courtesy of Rock Rose Music

Songs for the Sleeping is a fairly accurate title as the nine songs that appear here have a somewhat hypnotic and meditative quality. Whether thinly veiled or in bold relief, Goodman freely bares his soul within these tunes, prompting the listener to join him in a dream-like state.

Looking Ahead

Although there are no upcoming performances currently scheduled, you can check the “gigs” page of The Grand Undoing’s website periodically to see when new dates are added.

To keep current with the latest news about The Grand Undoing, be sure to follow the band/Seth Goodman on social media, on Facebook or Instagram.