Enamoring in its palpable emotion and diverse sonic pursuits, ranging from intensified rock to murky atmospherics, When I Close My Eyes is the gripping new album from Boy Grapes. The Washington D.C.-based project of Sean Grapin infuses tonally dynamic productions with visceral thematic insight, exploring personal tumult and mental health, both in the real world and within dream-inspired abstractions.
Album opener “Sand” swells with artful momentum throughout, commencing with a flickering acoustic twanging. A murmuring, conversational vocal element lingers in the background as the frolicking guitars build amidst the percussive pit-patter. A prog-rock creativity is embraced as the electric guitar trickling maneuvers hypnotically alongside the rhythms and persisting vocal element; the prog-rock feeling also excels on eclectic, angular rocker “Kinetic.” The album’s second track, “Humpback” touts a charismatic avant-garde rock dazzling, where bursting guitar elements pair with dream-inspired lyrics for a replay-inducing impact. The memorable production, reminiscent of Man Man, charms in its playful vocal layers and flourishing guitar work.
An especially dynamic allure shows on “Bobby,” another track inspired by a dream. Grimy guitar/bass buzzing complements a foreboding hip-hop vocal intensity, depicting the demise of the troubled titular character, who “got fists like a goddamn hammer and a soul that hurts.” “Getting Away” follows that up with another delectably dark allure. Debonair vocals — tempting “if you wanna take my magic come and get it” — traverse amidst post-punk guitar pulses, then escalating into an ardent hard-rocking vigor, proclaiming: “Don’t fuck with me / I got my hand on everything.” Impassioned, scorching guitars and shout-y vocal intensity, exuding swagger and menacing confidence, make “Getting Away” amongst the album’s most rock-forward standouts, along with “Just Move,” pushing to “just move till your hеart stops beating” within a fantastic punk, post-punk, and alternative fusing.
A more freak-folk appeal shines initially on “Gummo,” pondering where one fits in — and eventually asking “where is my home?” in a powerful refrain that reminds fondly of early Weezer’s climactic tendencies. The acoustic-set initial ruminations expand wonderfully into that power-pop and rock whimsy, then attaining a further cinematic pop enthrallment as wordless vocal soaring carries the track into a sating conclusion. Though less intriguing in its tonal variety, with a more predictable structural direction, “Muscular Atrophy” does play well in its late-night verses and ascending vocals; that track and “Closed Up” don’t fully excel in their structural twists and turns, like other tracks within.
The excellent “Better Time” also enamors with a folk-friendly energy and relatable introspection. “What a waste am I without it,” Grapin’s vocals let out, reflecting a search for purpose. The raw lyricism paints a picture of being trapped in a cycle of self-destruction, while yearning for affection and connection. “All I want is to be loved,” the refrain confesses, highlighting the album’s tendency to interweave sincere lyrical vulnerabilities amidst its ever-evolving aesthetical palette. Also immersing with a consistently melodic and fervently creative appeal, When I Close My Eyes is an enveloping overall success from Boy Grapes.
