The debut project of Sean Grinsell reflects his own reflection, imagination, and creativity as a multi-instrumentalist with a deep affinity for classic rock. Despite placing all of the recordings on his phone, the DIY project has been expertly mastered, composed, and arranged. Sean wanted to tell a story without letting it be written out, a creative choice that led to R is for Redemption being a fully instrumental project without any vocals or lyrics. In stark contrast to an instrumental project that tends to be more ambient and mellowed out, R is for Redemption is a lot more abrasive and even psychedelic.
On the creative process, “The only times that I would generate ideas for songs would be in the early morning or late night hours. It seemed like that was my high point of creativity. The first melodic idea for “Refraction” came in my head at about 6:00 AM as I was getting ready to go to class! I knew it was special because it would not leave my head for the whole day“. And that spontaneity in the process has allowed for the R dominant project to be filled with a lot of quirky sounds and ideas. But within that mix, there is a consistency and adoration towards the more heavier classic rock sounds that Grinsell clearly grew up on.
The EP starts off heavy and loud with Rogue, a song that captivates the listeners attention. Throughout the EP, different styles of music are incorporated into various electronic drops to reflect the EP’s personality. A dance song, Rush has a steady drum beat, cymbals, toms, guitars, and a bass line that rolls. Rift conveys the tragedy of the story in a slower and more melancholic manner. Its hard-hitting chorus and the guitar’s use of the blues scale depict despondency in the music through an emotional impact. Reflection is a much more sombre composition, but one that builds gradually and progressive. Refraction is a musical celebration, an opulent and grandiose. Syncopated beats provide a funk/jazz rock foundation for the song.
R is for Redemption is a celebration and ode to hard rock all at once. Simultaneously heavy and melodic it takes the best of the classics, stripping the lyrics out, and putting it entirely to the rawest of soundscapes. An album well worth a listen to any fan of classic rock who needs an instrumental infusion into their work.
Check my playlists here!
Find No Anger
Find No Silence
Find No Boredo
Find No Past
Find No Normalcy
Find No BTs
Special Ones