Sourmash Music

Haunting sounds of desperation are what crashes into you as Architects of Grace gloriously present themselves on ‘Moments In Time’. As your journey starts you wonder how deep you will go into what could become a time to remember.

Moments In Time

Architects Of Grace was born out of a need for Duncan Robert Illing to bring a breadth of ideas, visions and songs to life. Duncan began writing and recording demos at home in 2008, the material grew stronger, admirers gathered, in 2009 there was a self-financed debut single - Hot White Sun. It sold out and was then re-pressed in 2010. Last year saw the recording of this debut album from which the single Reflection is drawn. During this period Duncan expanded his vision, and sought out like-minded musicians and friends to help bring his material to the masses, taking the opportunity to spread his creation as part of a collective. By doing so he created what would become Moments In Time.

‘Imperial’ is the beginning and it’s scope and gothic like build up, lives up to it’s name. Crashing tribal drums come pummeling into the fray with these heavy bass driven guitar hooks that are reminiscent of Depeche Mode. Crunchy sonic infused melodies that are a perfect introduction as to what to expect from the rest of the album. Next up is single ‘Reflection’, which is a much more bouncy and high-spirited affair, a little twist in the cog of horror doused over this musical prowess. A much more bolder approach can be found on ‘Not Necessarily So’, slower and slightly stripped down with strings wrapped around and intertwined in amongst delicate guitar work.

Couple of songs in and we are faced with the thrashing assault of ‘Hot White Sun’ which again throws up another little curve ball. Changing the direction of the album so slightly, with its early Verve sound which not only gives me sweaty palms but makes the heart race at a thousand beats a minute. They continue with the electro shoe-gaze mash up, that delves into dark, twisted and sensational territory, as ‘Insatiable’ shows more of a left field approach than it’s predecessors. The more controlled element to the album, goes out of the window slightly, but get’s dragged back in slowly, but not before it steers you off course and before you know it, you have woken up beside a Moog synthesiser. ‘Midnight to Midnight’ carries off elements of industrial but blippy electro, that slowly becomes rather monumental but retains it’s enigmatic elements as it descends into a compelling climax.

All over this album are dark intricacies that make this release fascinating and strangely infectious. What Duncan Robert Illing has achieved with Architects of Grace is create mood and mystery, but all the while making interesting indie guitar music that will mess with the head and punch the ears hard.

Reflection – Architects Of Grace

For more information on this fascinating project, head over to the official site - http://www.architectsofgrace.com