Grammatrain’s Lonely House and Flying Return—Now on Vinyl for the First Time Ever

 

Press release located here --> 

https://girdermusic.com/pages/press-release-grammatrain-lonely-house-flying-make-their-long-awaited-return

Pre-order here 

Hard music for hard times.

That’s the best way to describe Seattle’s Grammatrain—a band born out of pain, faith, and a fire to tell the truth. Now, their two most iconic albums, Lonely House (1995) and Flying (1997), are being reissued for the first time ever on vinyl by Girder Records. 

These aren’t just albums—they’re battle cries from the edge of belief and brokenness. In the heart of the ‘90s grunge movement, Grammatrain brought the weight of real life into Christian music, shaping a unique sound that stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, Nirvana, and Alice In Chains—without ever copying them.


Seattle Sound with a Soul

Formed in Seattle in the early '90s, Grammatrain was Christian rock’s most authentic response to the grunge explosion. They didn't chase trends. Their sound was heavy, melodic, and raw—not just musically, but spiritually.

They came up around the same time as MxPx, but instead of punk energy, Grammatrain was soaked in the darker, moodier tones of Seattle’s underground. Their music was filled with distortion and introspection, but also redemption. Produced by Aaron Sprinkle (Poor Old Lu), their work resonated with fans looking for more than just "happy in Jesus" songs.

Their name, Grammatrain, was a quirky slur of “Grandma’s Train,” inspired by the Rorabacks’ grandmother, who lived next to train tracks and often joked she was waiting for her train to the better life.



Roots of Grammatrain date back to BLOODGOOD

The roots of Grammatrain trace back to a Seattle Bible study hosted by Michael Bloodgood (of the Christian metal band Bloodgood). Drummer Paul Roraback was a member—and former Bloodgood drummer—who later spoke openly about his struggles with drug addiction even after becoming a Christian. “The Christians wouldn't deal with me because I was still doing drugs. My stoner friends didn't want anything to do with me because I had become a Christian,” he said.

That tension, isolation, and inner war fueled the band’s lyrics and identity. These were not Sunday morning songs—they were midnight cries.

Paul later went on to form PJ Bostic and Gideon’s Press, further pushing the boundaries of thoughtful, faith-driven rock. He also played with One Bad Pig and Bloodgood, adding to his legacy of raw, aggressive music with a message.

Les Carlsen (Bloodgood) had this to say:

"When I first asked Paul to join the band, he basically refused. But months later—maybe even a year—he finally came on board, and man, I’ll never forget it. Paul was just the sweetest guy, a wonderful person. And he looked like a rockstar—his hair alone made everyone else step aside. But it wasn’t just the look—his drumming was massive, powerful, and it drove the band with incredible energy. When Paul was in Bloodgood, especially during the All Stand Together tour, we were super tight. You can see it in the film Trenches of Rock. Paul was absolutely amazing. And his humor, the way he fit in—it was like pancakes and syrup. It just worked."
— Les Carlsen, Bloodgood

What Doug Van Pelt had to say:

Oh my! Grammatrain was the real deal out of Seattle. Dirty, grungy, but melodic.
The songs "Jonah" and "Peace" really stand the test of time and showed their staying power and songwriting prowess. Like crusty diamonds unearthed from the mountainous cavern known as the '90s.
Not to be overlooked is the packaging.

- Doug Van Pelt


John T Thompson (TrueTunes) had this to say:

It may seem that Grammatrain was a “response” to the grunge genre that was so popular at the time, and when it comes to things like record labels and genres and marketing, that much is certainly true. But unlike bands that came from Nashville, working in the studio to capture that “Nirvana sound,” Grammatrain had grown up in the same musical swamp that produced those more famous bands. And it was not just the crunchy guitar tones or the exposive dynamics that defined their sound. It was their commitment to raw, honest, imaginative introspection - the same lyrical and melodic language of their peers - that gave them that authenticity. It may well be that the pre-Internet, pre-digital 90s were the last era of what I often think of as the regional musical accent. You could hear it in Grammatrain - and it was wonderful. That’s why this music holds up, while those who put those accents on as a way to cash in on a trend don’t.

-JJT

Grammatrain – Lonely House (30th Anniversary Edition!)

Originally Released: 1995
Vinyl Variant: Coke Bottle Clear
Label: Girder Records (2025) 

For Fans Of: Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, Nirvana, Alice In Chains, Poor Old Lu, King's X

2025 marks the 30th anniversary of one of the great Christian Gunge albums of our time. Grammatrain’s Lonely House, was a landmark album that landed at the peak of the grunge movement and stood out as one of the boldest, most emotionally potent records of its time. Produced by Aaron Sprinkle (Poor Old Lu), it delivered an unfiltered dose of distorted guitars, introspective lyrics, and angst-soaked melodies—earning it cult status among Christian and alt-rock fans alike.

While it didn’t take home mainstream awards, Lonely House received high praise for its authenticity and depth. It has since become a cornerstone of faith-driven grunge and hard rock.

Tracks like “Believe” (an ironically titled song about doubt) and “Execution” (a controversial song told from the perspective of an aborted fetus) pulled no punches. They mixed grunge aggression with deeply personal lyrics—"hard music for hard times."

“Jerky Love Song,” a mosh-ready crowd favorite with Ramones energy, became a staple at their shows. Critics praised the emotional intensity and sonic authenticity. They were grunge, but not derivative—carving their own space in both mainstream and faith-based music circles.

Band Lineup:

  • Pete Stewart – Vocals, Guitar (Later worked with Tait, solo artist)
  • Paul Roraback – Drums (also of One Bad Pig, Bloodgood, PJ Bostic, Gideon's Press)
  • Dalton Roraback – Bass

Tracklist:

Side A

  1. She Don't Know 2:33
  2. Believe 3:37
  3. Execution 3:56
  4. Lonely House 5:43
  5. Psycho 4:42
  6. Need 6:29  (switched with Sick of Will due to vinyl time constraints on Side A)

Side B

  1. Sick Of Will 3:02 (switched with Need due to vinyl time constraints on Side B)
  2. Drown 3:55
  3. Undivine Election 3:35
  4. Jerky Love Song 0:41
  5. Humanity 4:26
  6. Picture Pains 6:31
  7. Apathy 2:59


Grammatrain – Flying

1997 | Dusk Colored Vinyl

For Fans Of: Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, Nirvana, Alice In Chains, Stone Temple Pilots, Live

If Lonely House was a sonic outcry, Flying was the controlled burn that followed. Released two years later, Flying showed Grammatrain’s evolution—musically tighter, lyrically even more introspective, and emotionally gripping. From the explosive “This Is” to the vulnerable “Justified,” the album soared on a wave of dynamic shifts, rich textures, and brutally honest songwriting.

With this album, Grammatrain proved they weren’t just riding the grunge wave—they were carving out their own legacy within it.

Flying took Grammatrain to a more experimental and progressive place. While still heavy and guitar-driven, it absorbed new influences—The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, R.E.M., Pink Floyd. The title track was a psychedelic fairy tale, while songs like “Pain” and “Jonah” returned to their core grunge roots.

“Pain” remains one of their signature tracks, wrestling with personal flaws and spiritual conflict:

“I wish that I could say I am a perfect man / I wish sometimes that I would not be who I am…”

“Peace,” with its jangly guitar lines and reflective mood, was one of their more accessible songs and earned airplay even on stations that typically avoided heavier Christian rock.

For Fans Of: Nirvana, Live, Stone Temple Pilots, Smashing Pumpkins, Soundgarden

Band Lineup:

  • Pete Stewart – Vocals, Guitar
  • Paul Roraback – Drums (also of One Bad Pig, Bloodgood, PJ Bostic, Gideon's Press)
  • Dalton Roraback – Bass

Tracklist:

  1. Jonah    2:40
  2. Less Of Me    2:47
  3. Flying    5:11
  4. Rocketship    2:24
  5. Peace    4:12
  6. Pain    4:46
  7. Sell Your Soul    3:22
  8. Fuse    3:48
  9. Spiderweb    3:14
  10. Found In You    4:44
  11. For Me    3:50


Ready for the First Time Ever on Vinyl

Remastered and pressed on collectible colored vinyl, these reissues are more than nostalgia—they’re a restoration of two albums that dared to be vulnerable and loud at the same time. Don’t miss this chance to own Lonely House and Flying—reborn for a new generation.

📍 Pre-orders START APRIL 30th at 7pm EST at GirderMusic.com
🎵 #Grammatrain #LonelyHouse #Flying #GrungeLives #GirderRecords

 

The Girder Treatment™ - Where Legacy Meets Excellence.

When an album receives The Girder Treatment™, it’s more than a reissue—it’s a resurrection. We restore iconic Christian rock albums with unparalleled attention to detail: fully remastered audio, deluxe packaging, expanded liner notes, exclusive inserts, and collector-grade pressings. From rare classics to fan favorites, every release is carefully curated to honor the music, the message, and the memories.

The Girder Treatment™—because some albums deserve more than just a reprint.

What Is the Girder Treatment?

  • The Girder Treatment™ is our signature approach to reissuing classic Christian rock albums with the respect and excellence they deserve. Each release undergoes:

  • Audiophile-Quality Remastering
    Carefully restored and remastered for optimal sound quality.

  • Collector-Grade Packaging
    Featuring deluxe jewel cases or high-quality vinyl jackets, bonus inserts, and original or updated artwork.

  • Archival and Exclusive Content
    Including rare photos, liner notes, lyrics, or signed memorabilia that fans can’t get anywhere else.

  • Limited Edition Pressings
    Often numbered and available in exclusive colors or formats.

The goal of The Girder Treatment™ is to preserve legacy, celebrate faith-driven music, and deliver a premium product that collectors and longtime fans can truly be proud of.
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