Plenty has been said about the personal and musical differences that caused the Grapes of Wrath to break up 20 years ago. There have been hopes and speculations about if and when all three original, founding members (Tom Hooper, Chris Hooper and Kevin Kane) would reunite ever since. And while Ginger got us through the '90s, and Field Trip teased us in 2000, there was always hope that one day Tom, Chris and Kevin might find their way into a studio and come out with a record. Well, the wait is over.
The band is back and sounding as strong as ever with a new album called High Road. It's crunchy and radio-ready, with riffs and hooks reminiscent of Now and Again (1989) or their first attempt at a sort-of reunion, Field Trip (2000), and you can stream it all weekend long on CBC Music.
albumHigh Road streams until March 20.
Tracklist
(Courtesy of Aporia Records)
If the chorus of High Road's opening cut, "Good to See You," is any indication, the Grapes of Wrath are glad to be back:
I've been high
I've been low
Funny how the years just seem to come and go
It's been a long time but it sure is good to see you.
It's good to see you, too.
Follow Judith Lynch on Twitter: @CBCJudith
Related:
The Grapes of Wrath live at The Mod Club on Concerts on Demand