Ex-Nirvana bass player Krist Novoselic has always loved dark-hearted pop music. And it shows on this simply-titled second album by his current band, Giants In The Trees. But far from being a solo offering, Volume II is a genuine collaborative effort, the Oregon quartet of Krist, vocalist Jillian Raye, guitarist Ray Prestegard and drummer Erik Friend fine-tuning their sound to deliver 10 tracks packed with effervescent pop-rock melodies. If their 2017 debut established their so-called “forest grunge” aesthetic, then Volume II is a heavier, groovier and more cohesive affair. Jillian’s joyous, beguiling vocals shine once again on stand-out tunes Weight Of The World, This Is Love and My Name, while her bandmates deliver carefully crafted, intricate backing. GITT’s resolutely localise...
