Lacey have started off 2016 in style with a new five-track EP entitled I Don’t Owe The World A Thing, following on from the release of their debut album Under The Brightest Lights in 2015. After we became hooked on last year’s release we’ve sunk our teeth into the follow-up, to see if it lives up to our high expectations.
Shadow throws us straight into the release with a twangy opening riff, capturing our attention before the sincere vocals of Graz Turner are delivered. On arrival of the chorus, we’re met with a ferocious sing-a-long section packed with power. This has fiery live potential which we can’t help but love: when we close our eyes we’re transported into a hot, sweaty venue singing “I won’t chase my shadow” as if our lives depend on it. For an opening track, this is a brilliant start.
Recently streamed online Hoax shows similarity to many of the band’s album tracks, comprised of soaring melodies, powerful lyrics and emotive vocals. What sets Lacey apart from many other bands on the scene is the emotion that oozes out of their tracks, creating an instant connection to listeners and a belief in each lyric.
Taking a step away from the fast tempo sing-a-long tracks are Take Me Home and Ghost While I’m Alive. Both flaunt simplistic guitar lines, which when merged with delicate yet effective drum lines lead to two well composed and refined tracks. Backing vocals play vital roles within both of these tracks, making them once again live friendly. They may sing “I don’t owe the world a thing,” but Lacey have gone against this and given us one of the most refreshing, thought provoking and emotion infused releases that we’ve heard in a very long time.
Closing track You Know Nothing brings the tempo down once again: introducing piano we just know that this track is going to be incredibly special, and it certainly is. Oozing in depth and emotion from the very first lyric “carry me out before I burn alive” it sees Turner’s faultless vocals exposed and the centrepiece of the track, grasping your attention. You can feel the pain of not being sure of what to do, where to go or how to handle a situation that people just don’t understand. Before the track’s departure, there’s a dose of guitar and drum lines thrown in for good measure, the release concluding with resounding power and strength. For us, this track is the standout of Lacey’s discography, showing both sides of the talented quartet.
Taking a step away from a release full of powerful guitars and drum-filled tracks proved a great move. Lacey have successfully shown that their sound is versatile, memorable and unique. With them heading out on tour with Bowling For Soup soon this release, 2016 is looking pretty sweet for the band. We’d encourage you to check out Lacey sooner rather than later, as they’re fast becoming one of the strongest acts in the British scene.
9/10
Standout Tracks: Shadow, You Know Nothing
For Fans Of: You Me At Six, Jimmy Eat World, Kids in Glass Houses
Written By: Nicola Craig
