Greyview // Mostly Grey [Video Review]

Song: Mostly Grey

Band: Greyview

Release: Mostly Grey single

Area: Melbourne, Australia.

Date of release: 22/07/2018

Genre: Alternative Pop Punk

Reviewer: Michael Dixon

Record Label: Independent

Recorded, Mixed, Mastered: Tesoro Music Productions

Videographer: Brand New Media

For Fans Of: Trophy Eyes, Stateside, Terra.

Next Gig: BYP VI (Born Yesterday Productions) at The Reverence Hotel. August 2018.

“I'm sleeping in, lost myself in my bedroom. I'm thinking of how much I fucking hate you. What you don't know is that I still miss you. More than anything I've ever missed before. We always collide. Head first and let’s be honest. It brings out the best in you. When I'm on my knees. Take in the colours you start to bleed. The worst in you brings out the worst in me.”

“Mostly Grey” is the second single to be released from this three-piece Melbourne-based Alternative Pop Punk band. Following on from first single “Faded”, the narrative behind this music video contains a bit more depth and complexity but still retains the band’s laid-back, we’re-rocking-the-suburbs type vibes. Filmed by Brand New Media, the video shows the band’s lead vocalist Michael McLaren lying down on a sofa, covered in a blanket, surrounded by bottles of liquor and cigarettes. The sofa is then transported to various locations around Melbourne including a local skate park, the beach, Maccas and outside Luna Park in St. Kilda whilst bandmates Paris Rowe and Josh Layt are kicking a footy around.

The visuals here are demonstrating the affects of how mental illness such as depression, anxiety, social isolation, loneliness and low mood can impact an individual’s life. It also deals with the aftermath of a terrible breakup and missing having that person you loved in your life. You feel that unmotivated and worthless that you just want to hide away from the world, not getting involved socially with your family and friends and isolating yourself from society. I know this all too well having been diagnosed with depression and anxiety myself back in 2007 and it basically fucking sucks.

But then it takes a turn towards the positive as McLaren climbs out of his sofa bed and onto the stage with his band mates. This shows that there is a light at the end of the tunnel and that it’s not the end of the world. Musically, this is another strong cut for the band with honest, heart on your sleeve lyrics, tight chord progressions and bouncy pop-punk melodies. The big surprise comes after the two-minute mark when Cassie Sutton from Terra drops an impressive guest vocal performance. She is very similar in style to Jenna McDougall of Tonight Alive and gives the track an added boost of quality.