Testimonials (Playtone/Epic)

"Inventive, entertaining and thoroughly interesting for all you REO and Jethro Tull fans." --Mark Wolfson, A&R, Playtone/Epic Records

This is an odd amalgamation here—as if it weren't enough that these guys can shift from Blue Cheer to Alabama, Thunderpussy to Rush to Jethro Tull (dead serious—Larry Grab is a killer flautist, and manages to make the damn thing fit right in, which could also make him a genius) to some weird psych-drone to regions completely uncharted, The Grab Brothers Band also manages to make this all sound reasonably seamless. And Grab Brother Marc Grab plays guitar solos that are so drenched in distortion and wah and all other things that make electric guitars cooler than acoustic ones that listening to them at full volume is likely to cause you to act like—well, like one of the Grab brothers, I guess. Remember when you bought that first fuzzbox? This is what that was supposed to sound like. (Tim Emswiler)

Fans of 80's Music Should Grab Local Release By Pat Walsh Published: Thursday, April 7, 2005

If you have skin-tight black jeans, hair down to your knees, or a Poison poster hanging on your wall, the Grab Brothers Band is a group you may just want to check out. A Cape Cod-based band, they have been playing together for only a few years, but your ear may swear that they have been together since at least 1983. With Lawrence and Marc Grab covering vocals and a slew of other instruments, Rich Goldin also multi-tasking, and Marco Calabrese on drums, the band can be seen rocking out all over the New England area. Though they have been together for only a short while, they have released multiple albums, each with their own distinct style and flavor. Each release highlights the brothers' versatility, passion, and incredible talent. The following releases showcase their very best and most prominent works.

Grab This (2004): Showing the band's more aggressive side, "Grab This" is straight-up, hard rocking bar music. On "Mother" the guys summon the spirits of the infamous hair-metal band Twisted Sister. With walloping drums, gritty vocals, some hokey back-up singing, and a parodied mother lecturing in the background, it is sure to put a smile on the face of anyone who longs for grown men singing wildly out of key while wearing women's make-up. However, that is not to the say that the release is entirely one-dimensional. On "Longtime Coming", they employ a flute to accompany distorted metal guitar, much in the same way Progressive rock legends Jethro Tull did before them. Virtually every track on the CD is well-crafted and brings a nostalgic rush to the listener.

Grab It (2004): For fans of the lighter retro-rock, this release is right up your alley. Contrary to what Emeril Lagasse might think, the boys successfully kick it down a notch using piano, cleaner guitars, and vocals that are more melodic. Once again, the songs are quite catchy, though this time they have more of an upbeat grove as is evident on the bouncy "Meet me at the Station." For fans of bands like Emerson, Lake, and Palmer, the Grab Brothers have a great ode in the renaissanceian "King Richards Faire." One song, "One Step Closer (Diane)," I am certain would have been a hit if only it were not released twenty-five years too late.

Acoustical Bookends (2004): The Grab Brothers come full circle, showing off their unplugged side. The vocal melodies and the instrumental embellishments are the real achievement, giving the somber songs some real distinction. The lyrics are especially personal dealing with everything from love, to childhood, to even more bizarre topics like alternative cold-remedies. Particularly memorable is the hokey but very fun "Like an American," their patriotic anthem of sorts.

Whether you take or leave the Grab Brothers' retro stylings is a matter of personal preference. Yet what is undeniable is the bands versatility, talent, attention to detail, and passion. Even if 80's music makes you want to run and hide, you cannot deny that the Grab Brothers clearly love what they are doing (three full albums in one year!) and are being true to themselves.