A new Record from Clash Bowley

Clash Bowley’s Grace opens with a sense of calm and richness. The title track, “Grace,” arrives lush and smooth, guitars and instruments folding into each other with a softness that comes across unforced. It sets a tone that is restrained yet enveloping, showing Bowley’s ability to let subtlety do the heavy lifting.

“One of Twenty Thousand” sharpens the edges. The bass rumbles low while the drums drive with more urgency. I liked how the vocals stood out here, expressive without tipping into excess, carrying just enough bite to keep the song compelling. “Walk in the Rain” leans into delicacy, the instruments moving with a quiet touch, almost like raindrops on glass.

“Do Love” shifts the mood into something harsher, with heavy distortion and vocals that take on a darker, more sinister tone. “Eyes Open to the Night” is cryptic and atmospheric, its drums clicking with precision while Bowley sings, “Well you made a noise in the dark and I woke up so confused, the wind came off the park and the time it slowed and oozed.” It is strange, vivid, and lingers long after the song ends.

“The Hots” stood out for its straightforward delivery, direct but still satisfying. Then there is “Terpsichore,” featuring Fritz Herold, which heads in an entirely different direction. With upright bass, organic drums, and spoken word, it unfolds like a jazzy improv session by Tom Waits. The looseness works, pulling the album into unexpected territory. “Carnivores” follows with sharp lyrics that describe its subject with clarity and wit.

The final stretch brings some of the most memorable moments. “Honeybee” hums with understated sweetness, while “Life Falls Away” closes the record with a philosophical touch, beautiful in its fragility. I found myself pausing after that one, letting the words sink in.

What I appreciated most about Grace was the variety Bowley managed to weave together without losing the thread. Some songs whisper, others snarl, and a few stretch into improvisational corners, but all of them carry his distinct voice and perspective. The approach is unique, the writing thoughtful, and the performances consistently engaging. There is a lot to take in here, and I enjoyed how it unfolded from start to finish. It is a record that rewards careful listening and invites revisits.

Bandcamp