Front man Luke Jenner’s voice, rather than dripping in its usual New York casual sarcasm, possesses a raw honesty. This is evident immediately, opener Sail Away feeling as though Jenner’s heart is firmly on his sleeve. The following Miss You introduces the Rapture’s pop-song markers of a slinky bass line and some syncopated hand claps keeping beat,however Jenner’s voice still maintains a quiver of sincerity.
Come Back to Me oozes a European appeal, the ups and downs of a piano accordion colliding with a strutting beat that keeps it marching along. Never Die Again begins to pick up some 1970’s roller disco slime, a bouncing bass line jumps along next to charming saxophone, the mirror ball turning the eclectic mix of sounds around. The first single from the album How Deep is your Love? is a dramatic, passionate piano number addressing the genuine sense of desperation in Jenner’s words, “when i cry you heal my pain/help me come to you”; a simple rattle of a tambourine acting as a reminder to the songs dance-able nature. Rounding off the album is It Takes Time To Be A Man; a Billy Joel-esque bluesy ballad, slightly disjointed from the rest of the body of work.
In the Grace of Your Love isn’t as initially engaging as some of The Rapture’s past work, such as 2006’s Pieces of the People We Love. In moments the songs can feel like separate works, as if not cohesively belonging together. However they are a slow burn, gaining momentum over multiple listens, rather than immediately slapping you in the face.
BY ALEXANDRA DUGUID
Best Track: How Deep is your Love?
If You Like These, You’ll Like: Strange Weather, Isn’t It? !!!
In A Word: Reserved
