REVIEW: GRACES, PLUG SHEFFIELD (10.03)
Armed with their new single Smile, Sheffield-based four piece Graces smashed it on Friday night at Plug.
Having released the promising EP1 back in 2015, Graces are taking on a bigger, bolder direction with Smile. This single launch show was organised by the brilliant Scruff of the Neck, promoters who do a lot for good, local music across the north.
Both supports, Young Monarch and LOAM, gave their all in their performances, warming proceedings up as the atmosphere in Plug's smaller (but by no means small) gig room built. LOAM describe themselves as 'drone pop' and exhibited a unique sound, while Young Monarch have a more accessible, but nevertheless a very well-crafted, feel to both their music and their live set.
Indie heroes Graces took to the stage and did their tracks Clean and Amber both seismic tunes. With the band on top form, and a hugely energetic crowd that got rowdier throughout the evening, Graces more than delivered. There wasn't a bad note or song selection all night (if there was, I was too drunk to notice).
From the strong, soaring vocals of Stephen Harrison to the tightness of the band as a whole, it was clear they all put levels of graft into the show that were unmatched on the night. Bearing in mind I went to a predrinks and West Street Live after, this is no mean feat.
They did Worry and it went off; there was a bit of a mosh pit, showing Graces are the heroes indie Twitter really needs. @gracesband for all your #aesthetic needs & gig updates! In all fairness, the strength of the reaction from a crowd who weren't all familiar with their work offered a preview of what lies ahead for this hugely promising band.
It's clear that massive things are ahead and they're worth seeing in smaller venues and festival tents while you can. Ending on Smile and Slow, it was basically "limbs all over the shop". Graces provided the perfect soundtrack to nocturnal hedonism and the loss of inhibition. They transcend genre barriers and it's music that will resonate with you and connect as deeply as you let it. The future's bright, the future's Graces.
9/10