12 Apr 2021
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Grace Duncan - Single Review: Come, We Must Go

03 Dec 2019 // A review by Ben Ruegg

Grace Duncan's new track Come, We Must Go takes sounds from our lands and combines them into a cinematic experience that breathes with dynamics, taking us on a journey that begs to heard again. Te Reo is interwoven into the track, and transitions between languages is smooth and seamless.

What is so fantastic about this piece is the cinematic element I piece. For example, the elegant intro is built around swelling strings and traditional Maori instruments. It feels like you are in the forest, our wonderful lush landscapes slowly opening up. The song explores the ideas around being a Pakeha and with it the history of our European around colonisation. It is an uncomfortable truth that myself included have to deal with. Yet, it is done with elegance. Having recently completed a Bachelor of Commercial Music at Massey University, Grace has bought everything she can to develop this idea and allow it to feel emotive and authentic. Her vocals feel and sound real, hints of Brooke Fraser and some of Coldplay's later sound are evident, which aligns with Grace's inspirations and influences growing up.

Overall, this is a fantastic piece of music that takes an idea and explorers it emotionally. The subject matter is something I know people think about. I know I do, since I was born in England and moved here in 1987. The way the music tells the story and brings it to life is a testament to Grace's ability to use music to give her lyrics such an emotional impact.

Well worth checking out and enjoying with headphones.

Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆ ( 4 / 5 )
 
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About Grace Duncan

Raised in the heart of Te Matau-a-Maui (Hawkes Bay), and living in Te Whanganui-a-Tara (Wellington), singer-songwriter and composer Grace Duncan offers her journey piecing together thoughts on mental and emotional strength around purpose and identity through her beckoning voice, and reflective and challenging lyrics. Expansive swelling strings and calming acoustic guitar melodies lay open a space for honesty and vulnerability as Grace explores these concepts, as well as a more personal aspect, the beginning of embracing her role as a Pakeha in Aotearoa (New Zealand). Writing from a young age and learning violin and guitar throughout her schooling, she was quick to explore melodies and harmonies as they fell into her lap, with childhood inspirations such as Brooke Fraser, Coldplay, Eric Whitacre and Dido. Nowadays her influences also include the likes of Billie Marten, Avalanche City, The Last Bison and Novo Amor.




Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for Grace Duncan

Releases

Ruminations
Year: 2021
Type: Album

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