Henry Grace at Bush Hall

Henry Grace is a name you might not know yet, but the patrons of Bush Hall are on the balls of their feet, ready for the man to start strumming. Things Are Moving All Around Me was released a week ago, and this is a special show to commemorate the moment. It all feels familial, with many around chatting about how they know him or a member of his band personally, or how they’ve been following his musical journey for years. The room glows red, and the small stage is full to the brim with guitars, drums, amps, and even a cello.

Grace walks onstage without pomp and, although the lights dim, it takes a moment to realise he’s there. The opening chord of Rust, though, is his grand entrance. It’s gorgeous guitar rock with a heavy American twang, his time living in California echoing in every strum. The extended outro is electrifyingly good, and it’s no surprise that it opens the record. Indeed, he plays the new album head to toe, giving the crowd a complete live experience. He thanks the audience, revealing that the studio time needed was financed through crowdfunding, and that many of those generous listeners are there tonight.

He’s joined by a group of talented musicians, and for Days Like This, the final song on the album, they stand around one mic, singing inwards to each other. It’s warm and sweet, and you can feel the love and pride between them. Many were involved in the studio recordings, and this is clear onstage: the harmonies are tight, the energy is flowing. Cali Rain and Leaving Song hold particularly beautiful harmonies, while the outros of This Is the Place and Can’t Be Your Lover feel like they’re constantly one-upping every riff and flick.

Grace is at the beginning of his career and, while he may appear a little unsteady without the solace of his guitar and could stand to speak into the mic more, the future is bright, and the music speaks for itself.