greyscale ...so far
greyscale took shape in melbourne Australia in 1999 as an instrumental 3 piece concept project focussing on extended soundscapes and excursive sonic statements via electric guitar, pedal steel guitar and drums.
A 6 track EP, Scientifically Rough was released in July 2000 to much critical acclaim and saw a fulfilment of the original vision to include varied instrumentation such as analogue synths, tamboura, banjo and electric piano (all played and performed by the multi instrumental members of greyscale).
A mini tour of Australia was embarked upon which saw greyscale play to astounded audiences in Melbourne, Adelaide, Darwin and Sydney in packed arts venues, firmly establishing greyscale as one of australia's most original and mesmorising musical experiences.
Almost as soon as greyscale had appeared, they had disappeared once more to dive headlong into the next recording phase of their career - the ambitious debut full length CD, the acclaimed "Cruel Machine"
Whilst retaining a dense darkness present on 'Scientifically Rough', 'Cruel Machine' contains previously unexplored elements and instrumentation.
Greyscale's inimitable soundscape of droning guitar and soaring pedal steel are unmistakable and ever present on this impressive body of work.
Most tracks are spirited improvisations, recorded live and subsequently built up with additional instrumentation or found sounds. Emotionally evocative, mechanistic, brutally beautiful, 'Cruel Machine' transports the listener into a distinctive mood zone which continually winds and weaves
throughout the entire recording. From sparse to dense arrangements, 'Cruel Machine' menaces with dark political narratives of the forboding present while appeasing with organic optimism of the human soul. The 'Cruel Machine' project saw the introduction of new instrumentation such
as samples, vibraphone, acoustic guitar, congas, upright bass, melodica,short wave radio, kimbal entertainer organ, industrial sound bytes. There is continued presence of previously explored instruments such as tamboura and an expanded use of a variety of synthesizers.
Cruel Machine as orginally self released in Australia in 2003 and sold out it's first pressing. In early 2004, Cruel Machine was re released globally through the prestigious Camera Obscura Records Label which has raised it's exposure worldwide and attracted much attention to this astonishing piece of work.
Greyscale are currently working on their next release, as well as other multimedia and audio visual projects, the fruits of which will be placed on this website in the coming months prior to release.
3rd of November, 2005, last updated: 16th of March, 2006