It’s December 2016, and two university music students are introduced by a mutual friend. Fiona Steele and Alisa Mitchell jammed together only once before forming GraceJean, a name formed from the combination of both musicians’ middle names.
Fast-forward to present, and the Melbourne due have been hard at work. Countless gigs and the release of their debut EP, Live at the Skylark Room ’18, have gained them a keen following in the lead up to their first album in October.
Forté is excited to premier GraceJean’s debut studio album Long Black Road. Filled with warm, rich harmonies and mellow, folky acoustic guitars, this release carries the listener to a calm place. Each song is a story of its own, taking you to a new place with each gently sung verse.
The albums opening track and lead single Turn Away appropriately begins the record, having been a reliable opener for the pair’s live shows. The driving folk tune leads with a vibrant guitar before bright harmonies ring strongly. The lyrics sound beautiful – the lead vocals sing of the euphoria of newfound love.
Back Home starts softly, an acoustic guitar leading. By the second verse, a slow electric rhythm joins, “I just wanna crawl back home to you” is the final sentiment left as the song fades. Love is littered with descriptive lyricism, again forming the warm, folk aurora surrounding the album.
Cell By Cell and Slow With Me are two tracks that did not appear live on Live at the Skylark Room ’18, the former a change of pace for the record. Noticeably faster, complimented by a light drum track, Cell By Cell ensures foot-tapping. Slow With Me instead takes a much slower pace, showcasing the vocal ability of GraceJean, soaring through keys and harmonising in the way the pair have become known for.
The stand-out guitar track is clearly Too Close, leading in deceptively with a smoothly performed series of licks and notes before erupting into a strong, energetic rhythm. The guitar doesn’t overshadow the vocals, however, still ringing with their signature sound. Afraid of the Dark closes the album, again slowing down. The storytelling style of lyrics that is so prevalent on this album is present again, warm and calm enough to let you drift off and get lost in song.
Long Black Road is a folk album that takes you to another place, emitting a vibe the reminds you of a wood cabin, soft armchairs, and crackling fires. Each song finds a way to word emotions, tell stories and describe moments in a way sometimes forgotten in modern music.
Recorded at Melbourne’s Newmarket Studios, GraceJean worked with engineers Anna Laverty (Florence and the Machine) and Guus Hoevenaars (Scissor Sisters) to produce this record, mastered by Joe Carra (The Teskey Brothers). Fans of Josh Pyke, Missy Higgins, or Charlie Simpson will find enjoyment in this album, an easy-listening collection of beautiful music.
Enjoy the single below and make sure you check out the album.
Long Black Road is out Friday, October 4.
Written by Thom Devereux
