The Closest Place by Alien Grey: A Raw, Unfiltered Rock Punch to the Gut
Alright, let’s get one thing straight—The Closest Place isn’t your polished, radio-friendly rock album. This 2012 release from Alien Grey hits like a brick through a stained-glass window, and it doesn’t apologize for it. Hailing from the UK but leaving its mark across Europe and the US, this record is raw, gritty, and dripping with attitude. Produced and written entirely by Geoff Griffith (yep, he did both), it’s got that DIY edge that makes you feel like you're listening in on something secret—a late-night jam session fueled by cigarettes and bad decisions.
Let’s cut to the chase: two tracks stand out here, no contest. First up, "Moonlight Girl." This song grabs you by the throat and refuses to let go. It’s moody as hell, with riffs so sharp they could slice steel. The lyrics are cryptic enough to keep you guessing, but there's an emotional undertow that pulls you under. Something about the way the vocals crack over the chorus gives me goosebumps every damn time. You can tell Griffith poured his soul into this one—it’s not just a song; it’s a moment.
Then there’s "Ghost Ship," which is basically what would happen if Black Sabbath decided to soundtrack a horror movie set at sea. The bassline alone feels like it’s stalking you, creeping closer with every beat. And those haunting synths? Pure nightmare fuel. But instead of being cheesy or over-the-top, it works. Like, really works. I found myself hitting repeat because I couldn’t shake the image of some cursed vessel drifting through foggy waters. If you don’t feel even a little spooked while listening, check your pulse—you might be dead.
Sure, not every track slaps equally hard. Songs like “Run Rabbit Run” and “Disclosure” lean a bit too safe compared to the heavier hitters. But honestly? That doesn’t matter much when the overall vibe is this unrelenting. Clear Blue Sky clearly knew what they were doing when they signed these guys—they didn’t try to polish away the rough edges, thank god.
Here’s the kicker though: after blasting through twelve tracks of bruising rock anthems and brooding ballads, you realize something weird. For all its aggression and darkness, The Closest Place leaves you feeling… strangely hopeful? Maybe it’s the way songs like “No Broken Heart” hint at resilience, or how “One Big City” wraps things up with a sense of closure. Whatever it is, it sticks with you long after the last note fades.
So yeah, if you’re looking for background noise to sip lattes to, skip this. But if you want rock that bites back, Alien Grey’s The Closest Place will knock you flat on your ass—and leave you smiling while you bleed.
