Grackles’ latest single “Top Of The World” marks an impressive addition to the Austin-based band’s growing discography. The track, which is part of their upcoming self-titled album, encapsulates a blend of heartfelt lyrics and refined production that seems destined to resonate with listeners. What sets this song apart is its comforting, warm atmosphere, crafted through a blend of acoustic guitars, upright bass, and soft drum brushes—a setup that suggests a live, intimate performance.
The addition of female vocals by Kat Edmonson intertwines beautifully with Noah Lit’s lower tones, evoking a classic duet vibe reminiscent of Lee Hazelwood and Nancy Sinatra. This pairing not only enhances the song’s melodic appeal but ensures the tune lingers in the minds of its audience. Lyrically, “Top Of The World” is straightforward yet profound, reflecting on personal contentment in a chaotic world. Lit’s approach to keeping the lyrics simple and impactful without overwhelming the song’s musical integrity pays off, offering a piece that’s both reflective and uplifting.
This song, “Top Of The World” stands out as a testament to the Grackles’ ability to craft songs that are both accessible and emotionally engaging. This single is likely to attract both new listeners and longtime fans, securing a spot on many playlists.
ABOUT THE BAND:
In October of ‘22, in Arlyn Studio, Austin, Texas a recording session became a band. Drummer Jimmy Paxson was finishing a leg of his world tour with The Chicks at Austin City Limits Festival. Jimmy was in contact with Jason Mozersky, his Grammy award winning guitar player and bandmate from Ben Harper. Jason discussed with Kyle Crusham, producer for Paul Simon and Edie Brickell, getting together to do some recording and lastly songwriter and indie rock musician Noah Lit (Oliver Future, Noah and the MegaFauna) was added to the mix. With the band in place, they looked to Noah, now a restaurateur in Austin, and way, way out of the music business, to write some tunes. “The band was ready to rock, and they looked at me and said, ok Noah, go write some songs” explains Noah. Never one to back away from a challenge, Noah dug deep into his musical former self, woodshedded, and pulled 13 songs out of the ether that became Grackles. The band’s self-titled debut album will be released on vinyl and through all major streaming services on February 24, 2024. First single, “San Antone,” will be released on all streaming services 11/16/23.
The first single “San Antone” tells an alternate history of the town Noah and Jason Mozersky grew up in. Noah Lit says: “I wanted to tell a mystical noir story about a San Antonio that only existed in my high school imagination. San Antonio is about the nicest city one could ever hope to visit, but perhaps there’s a dark witchy undertone, Robert Johnson sold his soul to record in the Gunter Hotel downtown off the Riverwalk, what else could be hiding in its candle lit cobblestone alleys? Having Charlie Musselwhite play harmonica on the track is also a dream come true. Charlie has played harmonica on most of my favorite records, and he is truly an unbelievable player.”
The music leans heavily into Noah and Jason’s many years in Austin. Dark blues rhumba with country ballads. Singer songwriter aesthetics meet blazing guitar solos and danceable 12 bar tunes. Hammond B3 drives the vintage guitars, and Beatles-esque 12 string Rickenbackers, while string sections sweep above in Roy Orbison arrangements. Noah leans into a deeper, lower register croon and growl. Part Leonard Coen, part snarling dog, the lyrics flow like shoal creek over limestone. Guest vocals by Kat Edmonson and Lauren Harris, add ethereal chords, and full throated whimsy.
The live band is an eight piece country, rock, blues explosion. Their sold out first show at the iconic Antone’s, downtown Austin brought echoes of old Austin into a new updated package. Like a classic car with a Tesla Engine, Grackles is all that was Austin, through a thoroughly modern lens.
