Maven Grace release new single ‘Me Vs. The Volcano’ on July 17th through Republic of Music
Standon Calling - July 27th
Maven Grace release their new single ‘Me Vs. The Volcano’ on July 17th, through Republic of Music. Recorded at Bryan Ferry’s Avonmore Studio, by invitation from Ferry himself, ‘Me Vs The Volcano’ is a defiant song of survival in the face of overwhelming odds. Drawing heavily on the recent upheaval in singer Mary Douglas-Home’s own life, the lyrics draw on ideas of heartbreak, divorce and self-belief. “When the worst happens, you need to find the strength to carry on,” she explains. “I was singing to myself more than anyone else, in a way. And there are days when despair wins out. But as a wise friend recently told me, when you let the fairytale die you can start living.” Listen on Spotify or Soundcloud
Ferry’s invitation to record as his studio came off the back of Maven Grace's standout performance at Standon Calling last summer where the headliner saw them perform and promptly wrote to them to praise their unique sound. The rest as they say is history. Fast forward 12 months, Maven Grace took him up on his kind offer and have recorded their debut album at the studio, having been given complete access to a huge number of legendary instruments in situ. From Brian Eno’s original VCS3, one of the earliest synthesizers ever built, to the distinctive Solina which Roxy Music aficionados will recognise as the dominant sound on the groundbreaking Avalon album, Maven Grace have combined Ferry’s retro-modern arsenal with their own cinematic sound.
Last year Maven Grace released their debut EP ‘INTRO’ featuring singles ‘Darkness’, ‘Innocent Dreams’ and ‘Something Strange’, as well as ‘My Heart Floats’, a collaboration with Goldfrapp’s Will Gregory. Individually Maven Grace have supported everyone from Radiohead to David Bowie and the Killers, and have attracted early support from CLASH, Louder Than War, Songwriting Magazine to 1883 magazine, as well as Spotify’s New Music Friday. Just signed to the legendary ITB agency (Adele, Neil Young etc.) they will be performing on the Saturday evening of Standon Calling this year alongside Wolf Alice.
Encompassing the cinematic yearning of 1940s Hollywood soundtracks with an uncompromisingly modern angularity, Maven Grace’s music is infused with an emotional grandeur that looks to the future as much as it draws on the past.
Praise for Maven Grace:
“Everywhere Maven Grace go they leave compliments in their wake... uniquely atmospheric. It's a sign of their tumultuous year that the duo attract such stellar attention, with their potent debut EP winning fans across the globe.” - Clash Music
“Favourite new find at Standon Calling this year. Big anthems, sweet choral vocals and tunes that could belong to Sigur Ros, Abba or the Cocteau Twins. So mesmerising we didn’t even notice Bryan Ferry standing nearby. Sublime.” – Louder Than War
“Hauntingly beautiful, gorgeously atmospheric, in their short time together they have wowed audiences and peers alike with their unique brand of cinematic, synth pop” - Record Of The Day
“Maven Grace’s debut single ‘Innocent Dreams’ is elegant dream pop with a message. They expertly layer traditional harmonies with electronic beats and soaring guitar riffs. The mixture of sounds, imagery and different languages make for a constantly shifting and intriguing listen.” - 1883 Magazine
“Their sadness spills out from beneath a goth-pop blanket. Devastating.” – Songwriting Magazine
“Sensual, sparkling, twilight... pretty astonishing...” – NBHAP