Zitat:It's a good thing that Albany, New York's Greatdayforup opted to rechristen itself following the departure of vocalist Mike Langone. First off, the sole remaining original member was guitarist Mike Vitali (the way they jettisoned members following the release of their Small Stone swan song Flores de Sangre was grimly fascinating, like a sinking ship struggling to stay afloat). Secondly, “Greatdayforup” was – still is, I suppose - a terrible name.

“Ironweed” may not win any points for originality either, but at least it won't be greeted with quizzical expressions. And the change in singers completely shifts the sound of the band. This is a distinctly new band, one that's headed in its own direction. Jeff Andrews has a quintessential “metal” voice – loud, abrasive, yet clean enough to still be considered singing and not some type of unintelligible bellow – and that increases the heavy quotient on songs like “A World Away,” “Lifeless Coil,” and “Moth.” Even tracks that have Greatdayforup's mix of melody and driving riff rock - “This Faithless Will,” “Disconnect,” “Vertigo” - hit harder and just seem flat out meaner. The band (along with Vitali and Andrews, there's Brendan Slater on bass and Jim Feck on drums) seems to be primarily focused on brute force – they're always barreling straight at you.

Most of the 11 tracks on Indian Ladder register, but the one that deserves to be singled out is “Penny for Your Prayers.” It may not be the most aggressive of the lot, but its dirty, lurching riffs and the Mike Patton-like croon on the chorus make it the most memorable song on the album (and better yet, he doesn't inexplicably shout out “Smooth!” as on “Lost and Forgotten”).

Greatdayforup was one of those bands that could've/should've made a larger impression, and while there's a noticeable difference between that band and Ironweed, the same principle applies. Indian Ladder comes recommended.