Massive Wagons – Earth To Grace
Massive Wagons – Earth To Grace
Earache Records
Release Date: 08/11/2024
Running Time: 52:00
Review by Beth Morait
10/10
Lancashire heroes Massive Wagons have been growing exponentially and delighting fans since bursting into the mainstream scene like rowdy gatecrashers at a pop convention, with their 5th and 6th studio albums, “House of Noise” in 2020, and “Triggered!” in 2022. And now they’re back with a 7th album; “Earth To Grace.” The question is, will this be a crowd pleaser?…
Well, in short, yes! This album is full of high-octane, anthem-like, and ridiculously catchy Rock! Pretty much every song would be great for a party soundtrack, great to blast in the car on a road trip, great to have in your headphones while you’re out for a power walk, or down then gym, and great to listen to live or recorded just because you can.
One thing the Wagons have by the bucketload is charisma, and the ability to write properly good Classic Rock with enough of a modern twist to keep it current (okay, I’m aware that’s 2 things). Frontman Baz Mills also excels at writing lyrics, and this album is testament to that. They’re poetic, but stark, telling stories in a real way that doesn’t get lost in complicated metaphors, but still delivers points cleverly.
‘Night Skies’ is the stand out track on this album for me. It’s just a beautiful, beautiful ballad. Nothing is overcooked in it, and I can’t get enough of it. They released it as a single before the album came out, and from the first time I heard it I knew this album was going to be special.
It’s got all the right balance of everything for me. A good mix of tracks, ranging from Hard Rock, to AOR, to heavier, Punkier material towards the end of the album. The songs never outstay their welcome, and are perfectly rounded. The musicianship is brilliant, and phonically pleasing (it often reminds me of early Bryan Adams, who’s literally one of my favourite musicians, with absolutely no shame. I saw him in concert earlier this year for the first time ever, ticking one concert off my bucket list). And the mixing and mastering is top notch, creating an overall package that’s, in my opinion, their best album to date. And they just seem to have this ability to get better and better the more they mature as a band. The sky really is the limit for Massive Wagons, and it’s definitely a ride that I’m enjoying being on.
‘Night Skies’ Official Video:
TRACKLISTING:
01. Sleep Forever
02. Missing On TV
03. Free And Easy
04. Night Skies
05. The Good Die Young (feat. Colin Doran)
06. All We Got
07. Cool Like A Fox
08. Fun While It Lasted
09. Whatever Makes You Happy
10. Underdog
11. Rabbit Hole
12. (Bonus) Punk At Heart
13. (Bonus) OCD
14. (Bonus) Needles And Hay
15. (Bonus) Free And Easy (Cowboy Version)
LINE-UP:
Barry Mills – Vocals
Adam Thistlethwaite – Guitars
Stevie Holl – Guitars
Adam “Bowz” Bouskill – Bass, Backing Vocals
Alex Thistlethwaite – Drums, Percussion
LINKS:
Disclaimer: This review is solely the property of Beth Moriat and Ever Metal. It is strictly forbidden to copy any part of this review, unless you have the strict permission of both parties. Failure to adhere to this will be treated as plagiarism and will be reported to the relevant authorities.
