There can’t be many rock bands around with two Anglican church organists in their line-up, but then Grace seem to revel in defying the norm.
These self-confessed posh boys may have got together in the closeted confines of Clare College, Cambridge, but you’d never guess it to listen to them, well not unless you heard them speak.
“We’ve been to Liverpool loads, and I know it sounds like a cliche, but we really love it,” says singer JP. With his crisp, finely educated tones, he sounds like a young Bertie Wooster.
“I know everyone must go on about the crowds in Liverpool, but they really are amazing at gigs. Last time we were up these girls met us outside and took us to a really good pub. I can’t remember what it was called, but it was like £1 a pint and we got hammered. It was full of students and really friendly. I’m going to wander round and see if we can find it again.”
Grace – JP (John Paul) Jones on vocals and guitar, Sam Swallow on keyboards, Ben Lumsden on bass, James Hayto on guitar and Chris Hutchings on drums – got together as music and arts students in 2002, beginning their early musical career playing down tempo acoustic gigs in London's Portobello Road. Initially called Morocco, the band regrouped as Grace with guitarist James Hayto in 2005 and began serious gigging, embracing a much bigger, brighter rock sound spiralling industry buzz around sell out shows in the west end.
Grace's début single, Stand Still, was released in November and the band recorded their forthcoming album 'Detours' – due out this summer - with Doves / New Order producer Steve Osborne last year.
The record is packed with a diverse mix of elegantly anthemic ballads and gut bursting power epics. One listen and you're hooked. Pillars, Slowly and Alive sparkle with sublime melodies, driving guitar hooks and crashing drum beats, demonstrating the band's ability to perform fresh, uptempo indie pop to perfection.
Grace play Carling Academy Liverpool on Monday.