‘Rotations’ is the soon-scheduled debut E.P. from the Oxfordshire based quintet Vera Grace. The band comprises Stephen Nulty on vocals, Jonjo Williams on guitar, Chris Thirtle on guitar, Aaron Godfray on bass, and Josh Williams on drums. The band was formed last year and plays a gut pummelling brand of hardcore infused speed metal.
There are five tracks on the E.P., starting with ‘Wasting Away’, which initially reminded me a little of earlier stuff by Queens of the Stone Age. What I liked about this was the fact that whilst the opening verses are complete thrash, the choruses are extremely melodic, weaving a blend of light and shade, and preventing this from sounding the same as a dozen other bands.
The second track, ‘Lost’ is similar in nature, with its chorus of “I know what it’s like to lose” which had an unlikely but fine Hanoi Rocks influence. The title track of the E.P. was something of a surprise, being softer and far more melodic, and showing that this band have several strings to their bow.
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The E.P. closed with ‘I am the earth’ which was well within the thrash genre. Overall, whilst this E.P. is unlikely to convert those who do not usually buy into this style, it will certainly delight anyone who likes their music hard, heavy and intelligent.
Listen to Vera Grace at Bandcamp
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