Greye are an alternative rock band comprising lead vocalist Hannah Summer, guitarist Jett Wolfe, Joshua Reid on bass and Ray Grimard on drums. Formed in 2012, they released their debut album Providence in 2014 and have since released four albums including The Tube, The Worrier, Windows and their latest release Under The Weather. Their influences are eclectic, ranging from Red Hot Chili Peppers to Yes and Kansas.
This track, What If I, is taken from Under The Weather and showcases their unique sound. An a capella vocal intro grabs your attention from the outset before the music bursts into life with an infectious groove and high-end Chili Peppers-style funk guitar. Hannah Summer’s distinctive, charismatic voice takes centre stage with an instantly addictive vocal melody, the title hook hitting you in the first verse: “What if I was a righteous queen, what if you were knighted? What if I was gasoline? What if you would light it?“.
These kind of sassy and clever lyrics are another aspect that sets them apart from other bands. After the second chorus Greye then show they can really play with a funky, jazzy breakdown section that builds back up and culminates in a superb guitar solo from Jett Wolfe. One last chorus allows for some vocal extemporizations at the top of her range to complete a perfectly executed performance.
Overall, What If I is an irresistible gem from a group who are blessed with the ability to write concise and instantly memorable pop songs, but with the musical range to take it to a sophisticated level which sets them apart from the crowd. In Hannah Summer, they have a captivating front woman who has the potential to establish herself in the same lineage of those who’ve gone before her like Debbie Harry and Gwen Stefani, who were both backed by brilliant musicians. Greye are a group with enormous commercial and creative potential.
The Faulkner Review 