Yes, gritty is the right word. Ernie, I think you've just got yourself your own style in photography.

It's modern, it's somewhat going against stiff rules, but still within general aesthetics. I like it too. It is interesting to watch the path you are traveling...
BTW, I may be wrong, but I think that all halos, grain, harsh color (in some other photos) and slanted lines are a concious part of that punky, gritty treatment that Ernest gives his images.