SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: THE GROWNUP NOISE – NO STRAIGHT LINE IN THE UNIVERSE

THE GROWNUP NOISE
NO STRAIGHT LINE IN THE UNIVERSE
INDEPENDENT

The Grownup Noise is an indie rock band that was formed in 2005 by songwriter Paul Hansen (guitar/vocals) and Adam Sankowski (bass/vocals). The group also includes Katie Franich (cello/vocals), and Kyle Crane (drums). No Straight Line In The Universe is their first album since 2020’s Lonely Days. With No Straight Line In The Universe The Grownup Noise is not reinventing themselves or trying to break away into a drastic new direction. Rather, the band has come together to do what they do well and have produced a strong, melodic, pop-rock album.

The Grownup Noise have come up with songs that look at relationships and life as one gets older. The songs are not depressing, but rather sharp observations of life and love. A song like “We Become Roses” has a strong, embracing melody with lyrics that reflect one side of a conversation between a couple. It works on many levels, with a lot of charming imagery. And that sums up the album. No Straight Line In The Universe is a collection of songs that are not so much slices of life, but images of the world around us all.

And some songs are unique love songs. “Change Your Mind,” for example, has a catchy chorus, and lyrics that are cute without being maudlin. However, at under two minutes, the song feels far too short. It is a simple song that relies heavily on wonderful harmonies. Whereas a song, such as “The Fight Against Paranoia” is much more produced with an orchestral arrangement that fits the song perfectly, but then it just as quickly morphs into modern jazz. “Come Sunday” has a 1960s vibe going on, and it is the perfect setting for the song.

With No Straight Line In The Universe, The Grownup Noise have come up with an album of creative and imaginative pop and rock songs. The music contained in this album is inviting, warm and, most importantly, distinctly human. In not trying to alter the universe, The Grownup Noise makes a huge difference. It is like a much less depressing Craig Finn album. There are stories of lives, loves, and hopes, which gives us all a refreshing and calm view of our world.

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