| Forming from the ashes of a bad situation, ex-vocalist Chris Roetter was removed from Emarosa and
decided to make the band with the conjoined title, Agraceful. Honestly this sounds like a
better fit for him because of how soft Emarosa is. This five piece from Dayton recently released
their new album "The Great I Am," who’s title sounds weird when you first read it. Sentence
formation and
diction don't seem to be this bands strong suit, but I know what they might consider their niche,
Christ loving.
Now to say that Agraceful has a tendency to sound like Underoath, would be an insult to
understatements everywhere. They have resonating guitars, rough breakdowns, soft/doughy vocals
teaming with throaty growls, and of course a band that quotes bible verses on their Myspace. Sounds
similar doesn't it? Yes, Agraceful does have loads in common, but truthfully it’s still pretty solid
music. They also mix it up with more hardcore vocals and unpolished construction that adds to the
aesthetic which adds to this albums appeal as a hardcore/raw record.
What they do right stands with the catchy chorus runs and rumbling breakdowns that seek to deafen
and serenade you at the same time. The album (except for the calming "untitled") never seems to
take a break. Some people despise the softer interludes that are contained in recent efforts from
other bands. Agraceful does have them but manages to keep a balance that not many others can claim
to have. They can hammer out some raging riffs and belt out growling vocals then slide seamlessly
into a catchy rhythmic chorus.
So while "The Great I Am" is a tiny bit rough in some areas and takes cues from other bands in the
genre, they still create a great sound. On the other side of things, their christian values and
lyrics don't feel like the bible is being shoved down your throat which is good because as good as a
band is, having lyrics like "god can bring us to the light" (an example) can get preachy. This is an
excellent release that some even prefer over the new Underoath, go figure.
~ Pernell
September 02 2008 |