One of the UK’s hardest-working rock bands, Massive Wagons, have returned with their first album since 2022’s Triggered! and I have to admit straight from the off that it’s an absolute banger.
Grace to Earth is chock full of riffs, melody, humour, social comment and singalong gorgeousness.
With the strong settled line-up of Baz Mills on vocals, Adam Thistlethwaite and Stevie Holl on guitars, Adam Bouskill on bass and Alex Thistlethwaite on drums the band delivers a masterclass in melodic heavy rock.
In fact, the opening track “Sleep Forever” is one of the heaviest tracks I’ve heard from Massive Wagons. It also contains one of the best lines you’ll hear too, in “I wanna sleep forever, don’t wake me til I’m dead”. Add to that a lengthy scorching solo and we’re off to a flyer.
“Missing On TV” has all the things so loved by Wagons fans. Intelligent lyrics, big melodies and a chorus which demands participation.
Pertinent
Baz Mills’ humour comes out once again on “Free and Easy” which says that anybody can be the best version of themselves wherever they are, be it in Morecambe (northwest coast of England) or riding south in the USA. 
“Night Skies” is a gentle, poignant and pertinent track tackling the struggles of mental health. Once again Mills’ phrasing is impeccable and hits the mark every time.
Massive Wagons are joined by Hundred Reasons vocalist Colin Doran on “The Good Die Young” and it’s impressive how Doran adds greater depth to the track. It’s still very much a MW track but enjoyable to feel the difference.
“All We Got” is fairly self-explanatory, as we know the band always gives us all they’ve got. No doubt about that, and it is much appreciated.
“Cool Like a Fox” has a country-rock feel to it and with its top solo it makes for a great track.
There’s a Def Leppard riff opening “Fun While It Lasted” and the track harks back to earlier days of Massive Wagons and could easily have fit onto the Full Nelson album. The big singalong chorus and crisp solo are a pleasure.
Happy
“Whatever Makes You Happy” is a bit of a departure and is darker and deeper, toned down somewhat.
Normal service is resumed on “Underdog”. This track got my head really nodding away and the way the solo comes in got the hairs on the back of my neck standing to attention.
All too soon we arrive at the final track, “Rabbit Hole” which is a frantic ending to a fantastic album. The basic message of the song is we’re all fucked. I really hope we’re not because I hope to have many more years enjoying quality Massive Wagons tunes.
Earth to Grace does not take one missed step at all. In fact, in my opinion, it is their best album since the groundbreaking Full Nelson.
The album is out November 8 on Earache Records. Buy it.
BUY: Earth to Grace
Check out my other articles and reviews here. Sparky
