Continuing sagas are, as of late, wrought with controversy. Differing opinions of bystanders dishing out thoughts creative directions opposing their internal narratives are deeply dissatisfying to the masses.

Well, put down the plastic lightsabers and rest assured that all is not lost.

The continuing saga of Storie Grubb (while that may sound like an album in and of itself, it is not) has added another chapter that elaborates on peculiar assemblies mixed tightly in seemingly simple structure. The eleven songs of From the Backyards of Eden develop into a striking call to impact without going overboard.

From the Backyards of Eden ties together antifolk, almost post-punk, sounds that play out on a stage of classic acoustic strumming; but do so with a giant middle finger flare that couldn’t care less about the establishment and it does so with an identifiably original persona. The album moves on a rolling acoustic chassis, building an aura of happiness, while singing to much more complex idea. Sliding in and out of the pop punk style that gave the mid-to-late 90s a vibrant light, Storie Grubb captures a sound we long to revisit, yet in a way that isn’t bucket hat ironic or even laughable. This drawing balance of cerebral writing shifts a tide of seemingly light, trail-riddled sound into a dichotomy of complexity and, frankly, fascinating cleverness one might not catch if they don’t actually spend quality time with the record.

To put it plainly, imagine taking a road trip with a couple of parents from the Leave it to Beaver era, complete with sun dresses, polos with shorts, socks with sandals, and picnic baskets while you’re in the backseat of the station wagon wearing all black reading books that perpetuate logical discourse and existentialism. Yeah, that’s From the Backyards of Eden in a nutshell. But be warned, those looking for an emo anthem to stave off your hunky-dory parents, this isn’t that relief. To associate this record to that would make the musicianship of Storie Grubb unjustly overlooked. The writing would be unjustly skimmed over.

The latest installment of the Storie Grubb saga is a blissful blend of darkness, intricately woven with lattice of light and instrumental compilations that put this sound squarely in the must hear column for fans of the truly independent/local musician. But how would I know? Most people are spending their time arguing over the believability of the latest installment of a space ninja movie and not listening to Storie Grubb’s From the Backyards of Eden. So stop reading this and start listening.

Greg is a co-founder and regular contributor of Nanobot Rock.