Full Review

Grizfolk, Queen of the Desert Review

Grizfolk is an alternative rock band based in Los Angeles and Nashville with its roots in Sweden. The band is Adam Roth (lead vocals, guitar), Sebastian Fritze (keys and vocals), Fredrik Eriksson (guitar), and Bill Delia (drums). Grizfolk released their debut EP, From The Spark, in February 2014, followed by their debut full-length studio album, Waking Up The Giants, via Virgin Records in January 2016. With a sound that has catchy melodies and lyrics combined with electronic-tinged folk-rock, their reputation snowballed. They have spent years touring worldwide, from headline shows to support slots with Bastille, X Ambassadors, AJR, and more. Grizfolk also performs on the festival circuit, including Fireﬂy, Hangout Fest, BottleRock, and Voodoo Fest. In 2018, Grizfolk started a slightly new direction, moving away from some of the electronic elements and focusing on more organic instrumentation with the release of the single “Shaky In The Knees.” In 2019, Grizfolk returned with Rarest Of Birds—12 tracks that delivered a nostalgic, summertime feel with the foursome embracing more organic instrumentation in place of previous synth-heavy sounds. The fans have shown their appreciation of their folk-rock and pop styles as they have amassed millions of streams and listeners from all corners of the world. Grizfolk is now releasing their new single “Queen of the Desert,” a catchy number full of charm written about a powerful female personality.

Bottom Line: “Queen of the Desert” has rock and country elements that meld to create a stimulating selection. Produced by Rich Costey (Muse, The Killers, Barns Courtney), the song was created during the band’s retreat to Joshua Tree in early 2020 with the goal of re-connecting to their creative roots. Of “Queen of the Desert,” the band says, “It’s the story of an empowered female character on a mission to conquer her dreams, on her terms.” Grizfolk understands that in songwriting lies their redemption and deliverance and that by working together, they create a positive, hopeful sonic message to save themselves and provide a positive outlet for fans in the process. The crunchy guitars give the energy with a catchy rhythmic figure as the drums rumble the rock feel. Roth’s singing is relaxed and delivers the melody with style. The bridge has a hip riff that flows to the break-down section. Grizfolk has a no-nonsense songwriting style that delivers the goods in a manner that is easy to follow, understand, and enjoy. That’s the short of it!