Vera Grace – The ‘Novella’ EP – A Tall and Well-Riffed Tale.
Vera Grace – Oxfordshire, England, United Kingdom.
Oxfordshire quintet, Vera Grace, have just released their second EP in the form of concept EP, Novella. But before we get to that, let’s discuss the band’s sound.
They’re a Metal band – there’s no doubt there – but in what vein? That’s a harder question to pin down. Progressive Metalcore, I think would be a good genre tag, but even that doesn’t do it justice.
‘Carrier’ from 2013’s, The Lucifer Effect EP:
Influences: ‘Devil Sold His Soul, Underoath, defeater, La Dispute, Norma Jean’
There’s none of the stereotypical melodic, clean vocal-led Pop elements that has become so rife in the “popular” Metalcore scene. Instead, they construct crushing riffs, install time signature changes that elude to Tech and Math Metal, and finish with a welcome Post-Metal gloss over the top.
Said Post-Metal influence is far more noticeable on this release, so if anything, we’d better get on.
‘Exposition’, saw an earlier release and definitely showcases the band’s, “let’s get right to it” ethic. Musically, it features a whirling lead guitar, which is melodic and far reaching and very dominant to begin with.
The verses are “Techy” and almost Math-Metal orientated, while vocally, it is nothing less than the expected from harder edged Progressive Metal and Metalcore, but it does the job.
It’s the lyrics with this one though. As stated above the EP is set out in a concept, as a play:
‘The EP is based on a concept which is set out as a play. The narrative is based around two characters. It follows a man whose fall from faith turns and throws him into a confused and aggressive state, and unfortunately leads to him killing a man in a drunk bar fight. The first main character’s story is set up within the first three tracks, and the second main character’s story in the last three. The stories relate and cover how the events of the first character’s story effect the second character, who is the victims mother.’
– Jonjo Williams, Guitarist.
‘Act 1′ is an instrumental and a nice break from the band’s crushing riffs and precise metallic assault. Speaking of which, ’12/04’ riffs around the corner in it’s own fashion, combining the band’s harder edge with the aforementioned Post-Metal gloss, particularly in the slower sections and lead guitar work.
‘Act II’ is another filler track and adds a nice touch upon the Post-Metal leanings of ’12/04′. However, if I’m honest, it would suit being a tad longer in duration.
‘Scene I – Griever’ boasts a live studio video in accompaniment, and is by far the best on the release. Personally, it drew me to compare the band to the likes of Rinoa and PSOTY (Pet Slimmers Of The Year), who, if you dig this track and Post-Metal in general, you need in your life.
Click Here for the live video and listen below:
‘Scene II – Catharsis’ also has an accompanying video that helps to round the story off.
Again, it’s so much more than the standard Metalcore, “melody-breakdown-chug-breakdown-melody-breakdown”, in fact it boasts more Math-type riffs and that Progressive feel the band emanate. From the 2:50 mark to the end of the track, that whirling, soaring lead guitar keeps everything proportionally epic and dramatic while the desperate vocals come into their own.
As a final track, it’s an epitome of the hard work and determination this band has and is quite frankly – tight as fuck.
All relevant direct links are below for your ease:
- For updates find Vera Grace on Facebook, Twitter and Tumblr.
- For merch, CDs and such, check their BigCartel.
- For listening, find them on SoundCloud.
- For digital downloads, check Vera Grace on bandcamp, where their other releases can also be found.
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