Grates, The - Secret Rituals (Album)

Downsized to a duo following the departure of drummer Alana Skyring, The Grates have resurfaced with their third studio album, Secret Rituals.

The record offers a blistering beginning, its first three tracks quickly established as highlights. The cooly seductive fantasy of Turn Me On sets the stage for The Grates’ gritty, barnstorming rock, its chorus fashioned into a formidable pop hook. Sweet Dreams’ ascends methodically and yet beautifully, culminating in an epic finale. “Don’t make me feel like you!” Hodgson pleads, a desperate plight expressed in soaring harmonies to close a bittersweet delight. Like You Could Have It All takes a leaf out of Elastica’s book, its coarse guitars chugging tirelessly as Hodgson sheds her vulnerability to adopt the role of a snarling antagonist.

Secret Rituals is brimming with material that, though not mind-blowing, manages to profess a certain infectiousness. Songs such as Crying All Night and The Night Won’t Start are textbook affairs but somehow remain endearing. As the record progresses, its jabs weaken, but there’s enough that sticks to at least entice the idea of another round.

Realistically, the album isn’t a huge leap forward, nor could it be considered outstanding by any stretch of the imagination. It offers enough familiarity to recapture the attention of long-time fans and its a good enough place for anyone to begin their acquaintance with the band. As mentioned, Secret Rituals appears somewhat akin to The Grates’ past work though with an occasional electronic component occasionally simmering within the mix. Hodgson returns with her crystal-clear charisma as potent as ever, an penchant for sharp, assertive sentiments continually defining the band’s output.

Meanwhile, Secret Rituals isn’t quite as challenging nor as comprehensive as its predecessor, Teeth Lost Hearts Won. This could however prove a blessing in disguise. The album instead showcases a rejuvenated efficiency in the band’s pop, enabling much of Secret Rituals electric appeal. The album appears sharpened, spiking with precise bursts of energy enough to leave a solid impression. It’s easy to slip in and out of Secret Rituals thanks to an abundance of accessible tunes, an element that could either ensure its success or its ultimate undoing, depending on the audience.

Secret Rituals recaptures much of the fun, frenzied intensity of The Grates’ catalog to date. Though not exactly essential listening, the album documents a continued pursuit of scorching rock that goes straight for the jugular. Furthermore, more often than not, you can rely on The Grates to hit their mark.

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