Broken Glass

(Excerpt 160k, 240k / Full song 3:44 mins, 2.69M, 5.38M)

Alex Altus (aka Saash - Prince of Darkness) began his adventurous life in the former USSR. He moved to the United States with his brother Lee Altuxs(Die Krupps)in 1981. Mozart & Bach were early influences on piano before shifting aggressions toward the drums. Constantly surrounded by artists, Alex quickly developed a liberal awareness of sound. Favourites have emerged in the works of RUSH, Pink Floyd, Peter Gabriel & Queen. He has provided solid backbone for numerous bands including: Extinction, Obscurity & Righteous Sire. He spends his "free time" studying Audio Production & Law and coordinating entertainment for The Boathouse.

Rick Ordin is a native of Northern New York (up there) who won't use the word "baby." He taught himself guitar on a Strat copy his father acquired (w/the Amp) for $30. Early influences included BeaTles, Led Zeppelin & RUSH. Gigging experience began with biker clubs, graduating into sizeable events during college (4000+ attendance shows!*). Prominent projects have included: *DONASK (w/Paul Brouwer-Gigolo Aunts) & Insect Fear (self-titled LP). Rick has recorded with Loren Swelk for KUSF, modeled for commercials (aired on SF Network TV), and appeared on a newscast speaking out against censorship with Jello Biafra. Working with Gary Leuenberger (DX7 designer) has had him performing for numerous noble causes like saving National Parks and supporting music's active role in public schools.

Edward Sanchez (Mr. Ed) grew up in Mundford, England. He relocated to The Bay Area and quickly mastered the Barney Miller theme on bass. Lessons in jazz commenced - as did a growing fascination for The Who, Black Sabbath & Queen. Soon, Ed was performing on video with the SkaMasters for a Cable Access channel. More challenge was desired. Enter The Voltones, a surf combo, attracting a local following for the next two years. While riding The Voltones wave, he scored a production of Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream". When the wave subsided, Ed was gigging with various groups in pay-to-play places like The Omni & The Stone. He later hooked up with Terra Firma and signed to Indie Label Nordic Records...

Enter - a man with a mission. During a show at The Warfield, Ed was approached by Rick with a proposition. He and a Alex were seeking a bassist for a high-energy group with a unique direction and sound. The music proved interesting, but Ed was tied to his label commitment. Fatefully, Nordic Records soon collapsed (RIP) freeing Ed to pursue Rick's offer and... voila - The Grain was whole. Since then, the group has been receiving recognition from a growing number of diversified fans as an intricate mixture. The music crosses many lines while walking its own - offering original perspectives along the way.

Granular Productions
41 Octavia Street #6
San Francisco CA 94102
415 255 1416

Namesake: Identity crisis is encountered in various stages of life. The protagonist in this story awakes to a cold city environment with severe amnesia. He laments that he knows nothing of his past but also considers it may be a blessing. The children in the intro allude to the innocence of ignorance.

Missouri Lane: The feeling of being stuck in a rut is often difficult to endure. The "good days" are always in the past and the future holds little comfort. This addresses the search for serenity while low in despair. Missouri Lane is an actual place in Potsdam, NY.

Raining Chains: California has suffered drought all too many times. This is an Indian Shaman's plea for the Rain God to bring life back into his world. Incidentally, the day this song was recorded, it started raining... there has been no drought situation since. Hmm...

*AIM songs composed by Rick Ordin **Arranged by the Grain

the Grain

Alex Altos Drums & Keyboards

Rick Ordin Guitars & Box

Ed Sanchez Bass & Sanity

"the Grain elevates power pop prowess to novel heights! Richly poetic, surrounded by a mystical mood, a band worth checking out!"

Pop Sunday News

"An original approach to high energy music with songs that gave me a rush - awesome!"

The Wire