“High energy from the get go, General Mack has some great classic rock sounds dominated by tremolo guitar !”
NMR – A great intro tremolo FX guitar sounds sets the scene for this pumping rock / punk track, good vocal delivery , moody melody, all round nice work..
General Mack’s Grapeshot Steps It Up with It’s All Roses
General Mack’s Grapeshot returns with It’s All Roses, a uniquely crafted track blending industrial electronic drum beats with distorted guitars. The song delivers a snappy, infectious vibe, laden with hooks and bold attitude. Roses explores the theme of selectively ignoring things when it suits us, drawing inspiration from Marie Belloc Lowndes’ novel The Lodger—a story that also inspired Alfred Hitchcock’s first thriller film, The Lodger: A Story of the London Fog.
The album Revel, Revel took shape during secluded excursions to Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, where Mitchy McIvor found inspiration amidst the serene backdrop of Port Phillip Bay. The isolation provided ample time for sonic experimentation, with guitar-drenched melodies layered with drum loops, synth bass, and cinematic textures. Two standout tools played a pivotal role: a Yamaha Reface DX and a Roland TR-808, taking the sound to unexpected new places.
McIvor’s willingness to push the boundaries of conventional arrangements shines throughout Revel, Revel. The album embodies his growth as an artist, with its bold, innovative production techniques.
For Revel, Revel, McIvor collaborated with local producer Robert Muinos (known for working with Didirri, Julia Jacklin, and others), whose bold mixing choices added a distinct flair to the record. The personal touch extends further with contributions from McIvor’s nieces and nephews on the charming track Magpie, Magpie.
The Story Behind General Mack’s Grapeshot
General Mack’s Grapeshot is the brainchild of Melbourne-based multi-instrumentalist Mitchy McIvor, whose vision was to create and produce his own music. The project name is inspired by General Mack, an Austrian general known for an infamous surrender to Napoleon—a fittingly unconventional muse for McIvor’s creative venture.
Having played in various bands across Melbourne and LA, including Cannon and Damndogs, McIvor infused Revel, Revel with familiar guitar-driven moments from his past work while drawing inspiration from a rich tapestry of novels, short stories, poetry, and eclectic artists like Beck, St. Vincent, The Kills, Danger Mouse, Serge Gainsbourg, and The War on Drugs.
Scrapbooks of notes, phrases, and conversations come alive in General Mack’s Grapeshot’s music, showcasing a cinematic sound that’s both experimental and personal.
Check out more from General Mack’s Grapeshot Here
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