Non-Linear Music

Non-Linear Music

Bruce Von Stiers

Not that long ago, a middle-aged person was thought to be someone who was settling down and preparing for their golden years. But then the definition, and indeed the age range, of middle age began to change. And with that change came a surge of slightly older people still going strong, basically leaving the stereotype of middle age behind.

Not only are middle-aged people still active in sports and other activities, but some are also musical artists who are still showcasing their work. And quite a few musical groups are still out there delighting audiences. One of those musical groups is The Grownup Noise.

The Grownup Noise is an indie folk-rock band. They were formed in Boston in 2005. Over the years, the band played venues such as The Viper Room and the Bitter End. They opened for a diverse group of people, including comedian Patton Oswalt. Along the way, the band recorded a few albums.

Now the band has a brand-new album, No Straight Lines In The Universe. It is the band's sixth studio album.

The band has had members come and go. Some to pursue other careers, music and otherwise. And some took time away from the band to raise families.

The current line-up of The Grownup Noise is four of the original members of the band. Paul Hansen is the band's co-founder and is on guitar and does the lead vocals. Katie Franich is on cello and does backing and lead vocals. Adam Sankowski, the band's other co-founder, is on bass and vocals. And Kyle Crane is the band's drummer.

The album has twelve songs, the first of which is We Become Roses. It is about reconnecting with their significant other. That maybe they've slowly drifted apart, but there's still something there. The song has a mellow tone. The vocals are fluid and the music is pretty good. In a way, some of the music in the song has a light Tom Petty sound.

See You In The Hall has a toe-tapping, head-bopping beat and a cool pop-rock sound.

Anxiety has some nice cello music. Even though it is all about having anxiety on different levels of life, the song is mellow. The music made me think a little of early ‘70's laid back rock songs, maybe America?

Get Lost relies a lot on a drum backbeat, along with some cool guitar work.

Change Your Mind is about him trying to change someone's mind. He is a head bopping tune with an alt rock tone.

Where's K? has a laid-back tone, but it is about someone who's disappeared from the scene.

Day Moon has lead vocals by Katie. It also has a mild laid back rock vibe.

He thought they were a forever thing. But in the song, Plaything, he laments on past times and if she will come back. It has some very cool music.

Back To Me is a song with a solid backbeat. It has fun lyrics like where he remembers her with “purple hair and those big brown shoes.” Reflecting on things, it is all coming “back to me” and how it feels to be in love.

Rabbit Hole has a slower and a sad, moodier tone.

Us Fools closes the album. It is about him wanting the thing that they've had. And that he still loves them. It is a mild and heartfelt love lament song with great bass and cello.

The musical style of The Grownup Noise is a little hard to pigeonhole. They are an indie folk-rock band but have been said to try to mix Americana and indie rock music for a unique sound.

No Straight Lines In The Universe is an interesting and entertaining album. The songs seem to reflect the band's views, which are rebelling against complacency, fear, heartbreak and other tenets of everyday life.

No Straight Line In the Universe is set to be released in early February 2026.

You can find out more about the album and the band on the band's official web site at https://www.thegrownupnoise.com/ The band also can found on Instagram and Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/thegrownupnoise and https://www.instagram.com/thegrownupnoise/

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