Starting out as a solo project for singer and multi-instrumentalist Jess Webberley, Graywave have released two previous EPs – Planetary Shift in 2021, followed swiftly by their first for Church Road Records, Rebirth in 2022. 

Over the last couple of years with significant live performances at UK festivals including ArcTanGent and Desert Fest, Graywave has expanded into a full band. And with Dancing In The Dust (Church Road Records) completing an initial trilogy of EPs, the current lineup are recording together for the first time. 

The sound of Graywave very much still revolves around the mesmerising vocals of Webberley, which will appeal to those of us who enjoy the work of Chelsea Wolfe, AA Williams and the like. And her warm, soft vocals on opener “Falling Apart” are joined by a low rumbling bass and clattering drums – this is very much alternative shoegaze, with the music also reminiscent of Nine Inch Nails in parts.  

“Blur Into One” provides a deep rolling bass groove and a thoroughly absorbing chorus, and on “Dark Spell,” a luscious bass tone is prominent once again, as it snakes underneath Webberley’s lyrics.

“Cycle” provides an eerie guitar hook on a song which conveys a dreamlike quality, while both “Undone” and the title track provide a strong blend of shoegaze and dark-wave, with roots deeply held in the eighties – with the latter building to a solid climax as it plays the record out.

Buy the EP here:  https://graywaveuk.bandcamp.com/

7 / 10
ABSTRAKT_SOUL