The dance/punk band based in New York City that is, ‘The Rapture’ is a band which mixes many genres from post-punk, disco, and electronica to rock and acid house. Formed in 1998 by keyboardist, Relyea, drummer, Roccoforte and guitarist/vocalist, Jenner, the band released their debut album, ‘Mirror’. Following a year and a half long search, they were eventually joined by bassist, Safer. ‘The Rapture’ were soon deemed forerunners in the post-punk revival of 2000 mixing their early post-punk sound with electronic and dance elements through their collaboration with the highly regarded production team DFA also from New York City. Andruzzi later joined the band in 2002 and their second record, ‘Echoes’, was released to wide critical acclaim in 2003.
The Rapture released their third album, ‘Pieces of the People We Love’ on Universal Motown Records in September 2006 with Danger Mouse among others producing the album. In the summer of 2009, ‘The Rapture’ announced that bassist Matt Safer decided to leave the band. Since then, the band have been working on their fourth album in Paris and Brooklyn with Phoenix producer and, ‘Cassius’ member, Philippe Zdar producing the album. ‘In the Grace of Your Love’ is ‘The Rapture's’ first album since 2006's, is also the first release without former bassist, Safer. The album was released in early September, 2011 and marks their return to DFA Records after leaving Universal Music Group. Notably, the album cover features a picture of band member, Luke Jenner's father.
A lot has happened in the past five years with lead man, Jenner fathering his first born two months prior to grieving the suicide of his mother - "I didn't really have any time to process it. We were in a tunnel, touring all over the world for a couple years. I didn't know how to be a father, and I didn't know how to come to terms with my mother actually successfully committing suicide. That kind of blew me out of the water." Lyrically, songs clearly focus on Jenner's mourning for his mother in ‘Miss You’ and ‘Children’ as well as dealing with fatherhood in ‘Sail Away’ and ‘It Takes Time to Be a Man’. Gospel music has also been cited as a source of inspiration for the band in recording.
‘Sail Away’ starts the album with high pitched wailing and is a lively and interesting introduction to the band for a ‘Rapture’ laymen like I. Yes, I have heard of the band, but I haven’t really listened to them that intently and I this is a positive start. A little bit U2, perhaps a bit more invigorating in some aspects. The Phoenix influence is clear from the outset and I do like Phoenix. ‘Miss You’ sets in with an deep bass line and finger snapping clicks. Having heard the album once through already, I couldn’t quite put my finger on the vocals…they are very similar in sound to those of Cold War Kids frontman, Nathan Willett. This has a groovy sound to it but a deep message in which it seems Jenner fights to reconcile with his late mother.
In ‘Blue Bird’, Jenner displays more hollering and hooting in a track which encompasses so many sounds, it’s hard to put my finger on. I think they cover several genres in this track alone. The theme is persistent on the album with “I’ll see you on the other side” prevalent on this track. It’s a decent tune. ‘Come Back to Me’ mixes things up further with a Gaelic feel to it with accordion taking centre stage accompanied by somewhat gospel lyrics by the charismatic front man and an almost tribal drumbeat. “Aren’t we all children” are the haunting lyrics on this track.
On title track, ‘In the Grace of Your Love’, electronica comes to the fore before a wild sax combines well with the beat and vocals. This one has a trippy feel to it. ‘Never Gonna Die Again’ is deep in content with pleas for positive and healthy relationships. The lyrics are a little empty and contrived on this track in my opinion. This is perhaps the weakest on the album. Screeching guitars are the intro on, ‘Roller Coaster’ which is somewhat fitting. This one is of the pop nature and talks to the ups and downs in life. ‘Children’ follows this with a similar start in reference to the guitar, but a far more compulsive tune with a likeable hook. The guitar riff that continues throughout is one that has me tapping my toes and nodding my head to the rhythm.
‘Can You Find a Way?’ is a return to the dance themes of yesteryear for, ‘The Rapture’. It’s fast and furious, but fun and enjoyable. ‘How Deep Is Your Love?’ again has me harking back to, Cold War Kids. It’s a vibrant, piano laden tune with dance undertones. The rolling keys match Jenners emotional delivery. ‘It Takes Time to Be a Man’ is a very soulful closer. It has me picturing the end of the night in the jazz club with a semi drunk soul singer playing out his last tune on the piano. The sax hums and snarls during his shrills of “hallelujah” and I like the beat on this track and it’s an apt closer to a diverse and enjoyable fourth album from, ‘The Rapture’.
‘In the Grace of Your Love’ is more complex than the bands previous efforts with the addition of needlework guitar, saxophone and the likes. It is very much a seven seasons in one day type album with an abundance of variety. The band has certainly channeled what was once an erratic ball of raw energy has evolved and matured in to something with a focus, pace and sound. There’s U2, Talking Heads, Cut Copy and even a little bit of Phoenix on this album. This album is home to some deep feeling and emotions and is effectively about sustained love and forgiveness. It's something of a homecoming or as bass player, Andruzzi puts it, "It's our soul record." Rating 7/10
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