“The Granite Saints”
The Granite Saints
(Self-published)
Uncompromising straight rock is the Granite Saints’ contribution to Hawaii’s vibrant music scene. Their namesake seven-song EP is an effective calling card. Vocalist James Leonen is the group’s resident songwriter, although lead guitarist Geary Haynes shares the credit as co-writer of one song; N8 Alfero (bass, backing vocals) and Brian Thunders (drums) are the rhythm section.
The lyrics of several songs bring to mind the dark nihilistic images Mike Ness set to music for Social Distortion’s eponymous 1989 album. “Well I woke in my basement / I got a needle by my side / The little kid that I once was / The little bastard died,” Leonen sings grimly in “Every Loser Needs a Hero,” bemoaning a life that he anticipates will end in death beneath a streetlight. “Liars, Thieves (Punks & Cheats)” describes a similar milieu.
On the lighter side, the mention of an “eight-inch whammy gonna make you smile” adds a humorous highlight when the attitude shifts from rebellion to romance on “JuJu Mama.” The quartet changes direction again with “Next to You,” showing that they also appreciate the original rock ’n’ roll of the 1950s.
The EP is dedicated to Lonen’s son, Jaime Avelino Leonen, who died in 2015 at the age of 29. “Fly (Jaime’s Song)” is a soothing rock requiem.
Visit reverbnation.com/thegranitesaints.
“This Mountain”
Pat Simmons Jr.
(Self-published)
Yes, Pat Simmons Jr. is the son of Doobie Brothers’ founding member Patrick Simmons, but this second-generation musician is carving out his own path. A Maui resident since the age of 6, the younger Simmons’ music is shaped by his experience in Hawaii.
“Mauna Mele” refers to Haleakala and proclaims that “the mountain is sacred.” Two other songs were inspired by Simmons’ love of surfing. Another describes the spiritual strength he gets working the land and growing endemic plants.
Simmons’ dad is one of several notables who sat in on the project. Elvin Bishop, Keali‘i Reichel, Willie K, Hutch Hutchinson and Bill Payne are five of the others.
Simmons adds depth to the listener’s experience with a beautifully illustrated liner notes booklet. For instance, a song titled “How Many Years?” takes on new meaning with the knowledge that Simmons survived cancer in 2013.
Visit patsimmonsjr.com.
