Album Review: Massive Wagons – Earth to Grace (Earache Records)

Massive Wagons, the anthemic rock stalwarts, are back with their brand-new album, ‘Earth to Grace’, due out November 8th, 2024, on Earache Records.

One of the most consistent rock bands in the entire world, when Massive Wagons releases something, we all should pay attention as there are guaranteed to be at least a handful of bangers on it. The good news is that Earth to Grace has more than just a handful of bangers and it’s with one of the album’s best that it kicks off with.

Called Sleep Forever, this finds Massive Wagons in a metal mood and delivering something akin to Motörhead crossed with Rainbow. A track that oozes 80s hard rock and heavy metal vibes. Thankfully, it’s more than just Massive Wagons playing dress up and they throw their all into a riffy and groovy head-banger of a track. It’s fun and it’s very catchy, the perfect way to start things off, and it’s just getting started.

The name of the game is accessibility and Massive Wagons are pros at making music that appeals to all. From the infectious groove of Missing on TV, to the foot-tapping delights of Free and Easy, to the striking melodic soundscape that Night Skies offers, the first part of this album will have most sold on its enjoyability and its quality. When Massive Wagons promises a good time, they deliver.

Even bringing in a stellar guest like Hundred Reasons’ Colin Doran to guest on the vocals of The Good Die Young. A track that proves to be one of the most dynamic of all and while this may not always be a surprise with Massive Wagons as dynamism runs through their veins, it’s always effectively pleasing.

There’s a laziness that comes into play when describing this album too, as there’s only so many ways a person can call something catchy. Yet, it continues to be the dominant thought as the second half of the record doesn’t change up a winning formula. It’s hard to believe that there would be anyone unhappy with the poppy All We Got. That there would be anyone without a smile on their face as Cool Like a Fox grooves and moves. That the body wouldn’t shake, the head wouldn’t nod, and the soul wouldn’t feel warmer than ever because of lovable and relatable rock numbers like Fun While it Lasted and Whatever Makes You Happy.

Do you know what will make many people happy? This album, which is the highest praise I think I can give it. Massive Wagons have crafted something pretty damn special here and even as it reaches its latter stage, it’s still thoroughly investible. Especially as this part features two more huge anthems in the form of Underdog and Rabbit Hole.

Want more? Of course you do. There are some bonus track versions available and with them come even more high-powered and passionate rock hits. Even without these tracks, Earth to Grace was a very satisfying listen, but with them? It’s going to many a listener’s favourite of the year.

Their best release to date? Debatable, of course, but what is undeniable is that it is certainly their most consistently great release to date. There’s not a bad track on it.

Massive Wagons – Earth to Grace Track Listing:

1. Sleep Forever
2. Missing on TV
3. Free and Easy
4. Night Skies
5. The Good Die Young (feat. Colin Doran)
6. All We Got
7. Cool Like a Fox
8. Fun While it Lasted
9. Whatever Makes You Happy
10. Underdog
11. Rabbit Hole
12. Punk at Heart (Bonus Track)
13. OCD (Bonus Track)
14. Needles And Hay (Bonus Track)
15. Free And Easy (Cowboy Version – Bonus Track)

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