Album Review, Grace Potter and the Nocturnals

Bonnie Raitt describes Grace Potter and the Nocturnals as “one of the most soulful new bands around” and after hearing their latest album, This is Somewhere, I wholeheartedly agree. Releasing tomorrow on Hollywood Records, This is Somewhere will most likely propel Grace Potter's career to the household-name level.



With Potter on Hammond B3, Scott Tournet on guitar, Bryan Dondero on bass and Matt Burr on drums, the Nocturnals fill the album to overflowing with soulful rock, melodic ballads and heartfelt blues.

Without a doubt, this record is going to get a lot of critical acclaim and airtime. And here are some of the songs that will garner the attention.

• Ah, Mary, the album's first track, talks softly and carries a big stick. After a reserved opening, the song morphs into an up-tempo, rock-n-roll number that'll make your toes vibrate. Whether she's whispering the lyrics or belting the chorus, Potter's vocals are crisp and situated comfortably within the band's groove. Not a bad way to start an album.
  
  
• Apologies is going to grab the country's attention – no doubt about it. An earnest ballad about love and loss, this track is going to be on every channel of the radio and a few TV shows too (I can picture Zach Braff picking it for Scrubs). Catchy, but not too catchy, Apologies will appeal to the masses and turn a lot of heads the Nocturnals' way.
  
  
• Ain't No Time is melodic and tight. This three-minute track shows off Potter's vocals and the band's ability to gracefully arc a song in a minimal amount of time. Just as the track swells, it recedes and ends. Then the back button is pressed, and the song plays again.
  
  
• Here's to the Meantime is a shit-kickin' song meant for smoky bars with sticky, beer-splattered floors. Turn the volume nob to the right and enjoy.
  
  
• Constructed with the detail of origami, You May See Me is a delicate ballad reminiscent of Shannon McNally's alt-country stylings. From the fragile vocals to the acoustic guitar to the ghostly organ, every layer of sound fits snugly with the others. This one might be my favorite.

Without pretense or flamboyance, Grace Potter and the Nocturnals have produced an album of exceptional quality. Had this album been released at the time I comprised my Best of 2007 (So Far) list, it would have easily made the cut.



Tour Dates:
August 17th - Rocky Mountain Folks Festival, Lyons, Colorado
August 18th - Portland, Maine with the Black Crowes
August 19th - Burlington Waterfront Park CD Release Party
September 6th - Central Park Summerstage, NYC, with Gov't Mule
September 7th - Bank of America Pavillion, Boston, MA, with Gov't Mule
September 11th - 8x10, Baltimore, MD
September 14th - Telluride Blues and Brews Festival
September 14th - Sheridan Opera House, Telluride, CO
September 16th - WAMU Stage, Austin City Limits
September 22nd - Estrojam Festival, Chicago, IL

Related Blog Posts:
Largehearted Boy | Book Notes: Grace Potter and the Nocturnals
JamBase | Grace Potter's Nocturnal Existence
Oxford Music Snob | Video of the Day - Treat Me Right
Homercat's Site | Grace Potter and the Nocturnals Revisited

Download:
Grace Potter and the Nocturnals | Ah, Mary [MP3]