Fort Myers Beach Bulletin
August 23, 2007
By Melissa Schneider

Photo by Dana Helstrom

Local-based band Shades of Gray calls Charlotte County home, as the group rocks an alternative mix of tunes. Made up of J. Brownie on vocals and guitar, Mike Laden on guitar, Drew Helstrom on drums and Russ Richey, the group’s sound is full of strong guitars and great lead vocals.

Although members say some of their influences include Metallica, Alice in Chains, Sevendust, Three Days Grace, Breaking Benjamin, Pearl Jam, Guns N’ Roses and others, Shades of Gray’s music also tends to carry the sound of – yup, you guessed it – Staind (similar to Staind’s ‘03 hit “14 Shades of Grey”). Nonetheless, the group’s a great catch and sure to please all who come into its guitar waves.

For more info on the local guys of Shades of Gray, visit online at www.ShadesOfGrayBand.com or on MySpace, MySpace.com/ShadesOfGrayFL.