Graces Collide - Our Tomorrow

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Almost 10 years after first forming, GRACES COLLIDE has released their debut “Our Tomorrow”. This 4 piece Modern Hard Rock Band hailing from Brighton, UK is made up of frontman/vocalist and lead guitarist Dan Wenham and supported by twins Jurgan & Will Hamblin on bass and guitar, respectively. They seem to have trouble keeping a drummer as it looks as though they might have a different one with each video they’ve released and the position is currently vacant and scouting out talent according to their facebook page. They have spent many years on the road supporting bands such as ICARUS FALLS, SAINT APACHE and especially THE ROCKET DOLLS whose lead vocalist provided guest vocals on one track on the album. As a result, they have gained major notoriety among the live scene in the UK. Finally getting around to recording, in the summer of 2018, they sought out rock producer George Donahue to begin work on their debut and also worked with accomplished producer and mixer Romesh Dodangoda (BRING ME THE HORIZON) to mix and master.

Riotous, riff-laden modern hard rock is on the menu with these fellas. But, unlike other bands within the genre, they don’t rely purely on aggression and anger to fuel their lyrics but are rather thoughtful and introspective, especially on the title track which takes a step back and analyzes the current state of our planet and dares to ponder “where do we go from here”? Lead single “Ride” is a nice, generic introduction to the band, heavy in its similarity to NICKELEBACK’s down-tuned riffing with vocals more reminiscent of BREAKING BENJAMIN’s Benjamin Burnley with plenty of harmony vocals provided by Jurgan Hamblin. Those influences continue into “Fear Alone” with one of the catchiest choruses thanks to the vocal harmonies. “Makes Me Scream” is appropriately titled, kicking into high gear from the start, showing off with solid drum work and a powerful riff that makes you cry out for more. While “Kraken” gets a bit odd with the kooky, funk-infused riffs fueling the catchy chorus.

Without a doubt, the album is a tight 37 minutes of high-octane riffs and clean, crisp vocals that the average hard rock junkie can thoroughly enjoy. Is it better than the big names or bring something new to the table? Not really but does it need it? Guitarist Dan Wenham seems to want the band to be the next TREMONTI but there is nothing especially flashy about his guitar playing that piqued my interest. His solos are suitable for the blues-driven hard rock the band puts out but nothing virtuoso worthy. The one time he comes close is on “Kraken” with a quiet, contemplative interlude before crashing back into the main riff and some really creative and rhythmically interesting runs in “Find Our Way”. But solos aren’t that important when all you want is down and dirty hard rock. Those looking for a solid good time with some decent post-grunge/modern rock will certainly enjoy this melody-driven riff rock.


Songwriting: 7
Musicianship: 7
Memorability: 6
Production: 8