Nashville
Philadelphia
California
When your band members are displaced around the country, frustration is inevitable. Letting it consume your bond and art however, well that’s just an option, and Philadelphia’s Grayscale will have none of that. Now, in the aftermath of their debut full-length and strongest release to date, the band has come to realize all the past struggles, anger and tribulation are no more, and for the first time since their respective departures, the Grayscale family is together.
In the grand scheme of things, quitting was never in the cards for the rising pop-punk squad. You could even argue that the years of separation was all part of the plan. A mission built on individual growth with the end game of coming back with everything they have encountered and learned to create something unique and unified. Grayscale’s music reflects those relationships.
What We’re Missing is a naked look into the solidarity of the band stemming from their early days in high school and their first EP, Leaving. A premonition perhaps? After all they did record the record before going their separate ways for a time.
But while the album is a reflection of the tested, but unbreakable bond between the members, What We’re Missing blazes forward to the new era of Grayscale. Gone are the days of video chats and weekend flights between Nashville and Philly to play a show or two, only to make back in time for 8am class. They come replaced with month tour stints, high profile recording sessions, and national recognition from major press outlets.
“We began working on the album about one year out from its release. The right process in the beginning was sparse and we would only get to write over spring break and other holidays due to us being in different places and in school. We began demoing and refining ideas from there. We had a series of tracks written and picked a handful to record for the album. We recorded with Gary Gioffi in Philadelphia and took it from here,” Said singer Collin Walsh.
In it’s purest form, What We’re Missing is an emotional, frustrated tale of relationships inside and out. From lost love to religious anxiety, Grayscale adopts the belief of revealing who they truly are, and being unapologetic about it. From the hard-hitting lyrical soliloquy on “Catholic,” to the somber eulogy on “Irish Curtains,” it is feel, flaws, and humanity that drives Grayscale.
“The album is a culmination of experiences and retrospections. The tracks venture into our own “What ifs” about things and thinking about what could have happened if things had gone differently,” said drummer Nick Veno. Whether that pertained to a relationship, girlfriend, family or us, they’re all somewhat negative lyrically, but I believe that comes from what could have happened if things had gone differently,” Veno added.
What We’re Missing is the first step on what it to be a long and fruitful journey for the band. They are grateful for everything that they do. From each show, recording and fan they are appreciative of every opportunity and seize every moment that crosses their path. Most importantly though, they are thankful for to be together, because Grayscale transcends friendship and is more like a family. After all, what they were missing… was each other.
You can listen to What We’re Missing here and keep up with Grayscale on all things social.
