Grayscale, the Philadelphia bred quintet, stunned the airwaves with their newest release named Nella Vita, the follow up to Adornment released in 2017. Italian for “In Life”, this album explores themes such as addiction, youth/growing up, death, and love. Equal parts stunning and surprising, Nella Vita brings the heat from all fronts, incorporating soaring electronic hooks, melancholy tinged slow jams, and honest lyricism.

“Just Right”

Upbeat and teeming with nostalgia, there’s a certain mystique that comes with young love and it’s captured perfectly here. It’s the longing for things that once were and may not ever be again. There is the desire for things currently to be as care-free, open and easy as they were before. It’s this relatable element that really makes this track just right.

“Baby Blue”

Delivering groovy licks akin to the 1975, “Baby Blue” keeps the train moving. Darker lyrically, it sees no hope of reconciliation. This is the way things are now because of the past and this is the way they will stay, though that longing is still present. This a track to dance to, but you may somehow find yourself in tears along the way.

“Wish I could say it’s good to see you now

Wish we had something good to pull us out”

“In Violet”

Death and loss in general are inevitable and awful. “In Violet” displays this in a matter of fact way, but also says that it’s not just about the loss of someone. The chorus soars in celebration of life and explores the narrative that death can be more than somber. Grief will obviously follow, but it is the celebration that really matters.

“YOUNG”

A true testament to the phrase “It gets better,” this track speaks to those feeling down, lost and hopeless. Of all the things that life can be in your youth, one thing it is often is hard. “Young” is self-aware and knows that there will be struggle and hardship, but acknowledges that this is no way to live all the time. If you’re feeling any way like this, “Young” is the inspiration you need.

“Give it all ’til it all gets better

Young blood not going to waste”

“Twilight (My Heaven)”

The high energy song of the album, “Twilight” speaks of love and sex and the whirlwind that it sweeps you up in. Love can be all encompassing and intoxicating in such a way that it’s all that’s on your mind. This track uses blasting drums and roaring guitars to mimic this feeling. Whether it’s new love or not, this track perfectly captures the frenzy and passion of it all.

“Old Friends”

“Old Friends” mellows out a bit and looks towards the past once again with longing and desire. It speaks of current feelings of hopelessness and wishing for an old friendship to be the same as it once was so they can speak openly and honestly. Everyone can relate to the passing of time and the relationships you gain and lose because of it. It’s never easy and we all wish things could just be how they were before – simple.

“PainKiller Weather”

Lead singer Collin Walsh recounts a true story in “PainKiller Weather,” exploring the suffering and desperation that addiction can bring about. It takes you away from reality, implanting you in a fantasy world, but one that never lasts and you constantly desire to go back to it. For many, it’s hard to understand, but the love for the individual will never fade.

“I thought that love was one thing you could

Spend as much of as you want

I guess not all at once”

“What’s On Your Mind”

If you’ve ever had a fight in your relationship that led to a breakup, you will relate easily to “What’s On Your Mind”. Another groovy piece, this track explores issues that cannot be eliminated and have led to the end of a relationship. Conflict is a natural part of life, but sometimes things just don’t work out the way you expect them to and that’s ok. Not everything is meant to be – sometimes their just lessons for the future.

“Asbury”

Though rushed in the studio (2 days!), “Asbury” feels as seasoned of an acoustic song as one can get. It is a dream Collin had about closure in a relationship that has haunted him his entire life. Sometimes the actions of an individual can negatively impact how you see them and the type of relationship you desire to have with them. But other times, things end before you get a chance to do anything about it and at some point, you have to let go.

“The Asbury lighthouse is where I’ll let go

Is where I’ll let go”

“Desert Queen”

Bringing back the energy, “Desert Queen” explores love and the beauty of mystery. Sometimes it’s good for the soul to just get away from the monotony of daily life and go on an adventure – see new lands, meet new people, be someone else for a change. This track knows that this is a necessary part of life and gives in to the allure of the unknown.

“In My Arms”

Taking a sharp 80’s turn, “In My Arms” goes all out in the pop department. You may be inclined to shake your hips, but this song speaks about addiction once again and the desperation it can cause. Addiction can cause one to do many things that others often don’t understand. Though it may not make any sense, the desire to belong and be loved never fade. In this track, they are desperate for that to be true once again.

“Tommy’s Song”

A mostly bare track with piano, “Tommy’s Song” is an emotional sucker punch of a closer. This piece is the true story of the death of Collin’s cousin by suicide. Written two days after the event, it’s raw, pained, and desperate all at once. It perfectly captures the grief and confusion of loss but makes sure that their loved one will never be forgotten. The song closes on an emotional crescendo, with a gospel choir in the background, a beautiful end to a stellar album.

“Did what you had to do, even angels sing the blues”

Though many slump, Grayscale’s sophomore effort soars to great heights. A departure from the pop punk sound and incorporation of more electronic elements has breathed passionate life into this band. Adornment was fantastic, but Nella Vita has cracked the code and exceeded all expectations. What. An. Album.

8/10

Check them out:

https://grayscalepa.com/