Written by Stacy Hall
Green River Ordinance is a country-esque, pop-rock/indie band based out of Fort Worth, Texas. They have been together since 2003 and have toured with bands such as the Goo Goo Dolls, Switchfoot and Train.
Their most recent full-length album is “Out of My Hands,” which was released in February 2009. GRO has had two Top 40 radio singles, songs on more than 20 television shows, including “So You Think You Can Dance” and “The Hills,” along with two music videos on MTV and VH1.
“Out of My Hands” has a pleasingblend of up-tempo songs, along with acoustic and sentimental moments. GRO sounds like a mixture of My Favorite Highway and Matt Nathanson, with a hint of Augustana. Like many bands, most of their songs are about falling in love, fighting for love and failing at love. Their lyrics are personal and heartfelt, accompanied by harmonious vocals. Lead singer Josh Jenkins’ warm voice is bliss to listen to.
“Endlessly” depicts a man’s endless love for a girl and how she is his rock and rolling thunder and how he will always wait for her. On the contrary, “On Your Own” is a piano-filled piece portraying the hardships of a breakup and moving forward on your own and “Sleep It Off”is a melodious song about a couple in a fight, hoping to sleep off their feelings and work out their problems in the morning.
This CD has fun, touching tracks that are pleasing to the ears and easy to sing along to. GRO is a band that everyone can enjoy; they are the perfect combination of pop, rock, country and indie. Their toe-tapping music is per- fectly accomplished, without the feeling of overproduction for forced feelings like a lot of bands these days that just want to become famous. It is apparent that GRO loves what they do, which is making fantastic music.
“Out of My Hands” is available for a free download online via GRO’s Facebook page or band website.
