UNCVRD: Smith's Grove

Cherry Hill, New Jersey band Smith's Grove harnesses their signature blend of aggressive sonic landscapes and message of resilience and power in their latest single, "Strong," part of their July self-titled album release.

Bands are akin to the graceful water lilies that float on the surface of the music industry. It may appear deceptively simple for any band, regardless of their specific subgenre in rock, to achieve success and maintain it, yet the reality is far more complex. Just as a water lily emerges from murky waters or soft mud, every band embarks on a unique and often challenging journey to reach the vibrant sunlight above.

Take, for instance, Smith's Grove—a band that defies the conventional sound often associated with hardcore music. Their style is a rich tapestry woven from diverse influences, drawing from the raw intensity of thrash, the emotional depth of post-grunge, the nostalgic echoes of early 2000s nu-metal, and the fierce energy of hardcore. This amalgamation of aggressive textures not only sets them apart but also carries a profound message embedded within their music.

Their latest single, "Strong," encapsulates the struggles of life in a relatable and powerful way, delving into the overwhelming nature of existence that can sometimes feel all-consuming. Yet, amidst the chaos, the song offers a glimmer of hope, reminding listeners that there is always a path to liberation and resilience. Smith's Grove's sounds stands for the transformative journey they’ve undertaken—one that resonates deeply with those who find themselves navigating the tumultuous waters of life.

Thank you, Smith's Grove, for being a part of the latest edition of UNCVRD. When you first formed this band in 2022, both the world and each of you faced significant challenges and experiences. I'd love to hear what inspired you to create Smith's Grove amidst those tumultuous times.

Smith's Grove: Much like our single “Strong,” Smith’s Grove was born out of resilience. Dave (vocals), Jon (bass), and Zach (drums) were in a band together for years called Bury Your Brother, but after the departure of both guitarists, it seemed like the band had run its course. Instead of giving up on music or each other, the trio dug in and kept going and pivoting in sound, changing their name, and finding like-minded people to join them in the journey. With a new single and upcoming album that has taken almost three years to come to fruition, "Strong" is not only a new single for the new band but something that represents resilience among their struggles.

Photo Credit: Kristen Osman

Let's dive into the instrumental creative process behind your new single. I noticed a rich tapestry of sounds woven throughout, blending elements of thrash, post-grunge, early 2000s nu-metal, and hardcore. Each genre beautifully encapsulates the struggle conveyed in your powerful track "Strong." Can you share more about how these diverse influences came together?

Smith's Grove: When we’re writing music, we always have certain goals we wanna reach. We always strive to make music that’s heavy but still catchy; striking a balance between heavy and accessible can be tough, but we think achieving that not only makes fans of heavy music happy but also brings more people into our community and allows the genre to grow.

Lyrically, "Strong" resonates deeply, exploring themes of pain and resilience during trying times. What personal experiences or reflections inspired you to write this heartfelt song?

Dave O'Neal: My life, like many others, has been full of ups and downs, and I learned that if you let things set you back, they'll overwhelm you. You have to become more resilient with each obstacle life throws at you, and in time, you'll find that the toughest hardships won't be able to take you down. I wanted to convey that message in an uplifting way for anyone to hear when they’re feeling that they don’t have it in them to meet life’s challenges.

Photo Credit: Kristen Osman

As you navigated the creative journey for this single, what did you discover about yourselves as a band—both individually and collectively?

Smith's Grove: We had been working on this song and the rest of our first album for almost 3 years before any of it saw the light of day, so we all learned a lot about ourselves and each other during that time. There were arguments and celebrations, highs and lows, but the thing we really took away from it all was how deep our bonds go. No matter what was happening in our lives, we were always all so supportive of each other (even when we were arguing), and we think that patience and love are something that can only be achieved when you’re spending all your time with each other, working towards a shared goal.

Looking ahead, what exciting projects or developments can we anticipate from Smith's Grove this year?

Smith's Grove: We have a new single coming out on Tuesday! It’s called “Herd Immunity,” and it has a special guest feature from Eric Abyss (vocalist of Traverse the Abyss). We’ll be putting out some videos for it, and then our final single off our self-titled album “…And Thus He Began to Flow,” will be dropping sometime in July. We’ll be playing at Fries Mill Fest this coming Saturday, and we have a few other cool shows throughout the summer that have yet to be announced.