Grace Solero – Metamorphosis

Grace Solero
Metamorphosis
Out: July 15^th, 2022
Playin time: 42:25

Grace Solero is a unique singer. There is probably no other voice like her. And her band bears her name. The debut album “New Moon” was released in 2007, followed several years later by “Hundred Years Apart” (2013) and “Awake” (2018). In July, the fourth album “Metamorphosis” was released.  I was able to see the singer live in Hamburg in 2016, on her first European tour.

Already the opening song “Lucid Dream” shows that the listener needs full concentration for this album. The song is so multi-layered. And front woman Grace Solero plays with her voice, somewhere between spoken word and sing-song, often with a lot of vibrato, she switches between low and high pitch. And that’s what makes her so extraordinary. At the beginning of the title song “Metamorphosis” the guitars are roasting, with a slightly punky attitude. It’s a bit more melodic and you can certainly sing along to the chorus quickly. “Love And Addiction” is a quiet Rock song, with a strong bass line. “Awake” starts quietly at first with acoustic guitars, which can also be heard again and again later, Grace breathes into the microphone, but always switches to powerful vocals. One of my favourites. On “Orange Sky”, fast riffs dominate, driven by the drums. The guitars waft and deliver Industrial sound effects. “Time Waits For No One” is a bit more rhythmic again, with clearly recognisable melodic arcs. The ballad “Till You Return” starts with acoustic guitars, later you can hear the bass booming strongly but quietly again. Of course, this song is also enhanced by Grace Solero’s unique vocals. The song ends with a short cello coda. Another highlight of the album. “Ocean Star” surprises with a slight folk touch. You can clearly imagine the stars over an ocean, the guitars sound so relaxed and light. “Shaman” starts with bass chords, which are also very present later on. And Grace is singing in the highest tones for the last time.

One searches in vain for real hits on “Metamorphosis”. And that is not the intention of the quartet. The band moves far away from any mainstream. Nevertheless, you can hear beautiful melodies again and again. The singer’s voice is unique and has a high recognition value. For years Grace Solero have been going their own way, unimpressed by all modern trends. You should take your time to listen and immerse yourself completely in the music.

Grace Solero – Awake (Official Video): https://youtu.be/ycVc0HFePas

Lineup:

Grace Solero – Vocals, Rhythm Guitar
Dan Beaulaurier – Guitars, Backing Vocals
Bjorn Zetterlund – Bass
Dave Guy – Drums, Percussion

Track list:

• Lucid Dream
• Metamorphosis
• Love And Addiction
• Awake
• Orange Sky
• Time Waits For No One
• Till You Return
• Ocean Star
• Shaman