If you’re looking for a mix of Queens of the Stone Age and Arctic Monkeys, you’re in luck. Griffin Benton has released his new single, “A Darker Shade.” With imagery of the utmost cynical connotation, Benton is trying his hardest to make the punk and alternative rock style his own, like those who have served before him. With a downward spiral attitude, Benton delivers a grunge-at-heart single: “Ripping out the stitches / Burning bridges / What a long way down / What a fucking clown I am.”
We watch a chaotic black-and-white scene unfold in a newly released music video to complement the last single released before the album comes out, also titled A Darker Shade. We see images of Benton drinking blood or gasoline, a mirrored split screen of a rubber duck floating in the tub, and a band member playing guitar while sitting in the fridge. The absurdity and randomness of the video complement the radio-hit-like track.
With a long instrumental intro to start us off, as well a jam break in the middle, in addition to finally ending the song with a drawn-out guitar-heavy send off — the single attempts to take listeners back to the days of Songs for the Deaf (2002) or even Them Crooked Vultures (2009). The group Them Crooked Vultures is a supergroup consisting of Josh Homme, Dave Grohl, and John Paul Jones.
With smashing vocals and edgy songwriting, this riff-driven anthem exemplifies one of the many directions alternative rock is taking these days.
Keep Up With Griffin Benton: Instagram // TikTok // YouTube
