It’s interesting how you can become introduced to new music. Friends’ recommendations and radio airplay are generally how many of us stumble upon bands that we never knew existed.
HBO Max had a Mindy Kaling-produced series that was an irreverent look at modern college life called The Sex Lives of College Girls. One of the series’ breakout stars, Renee Rapp, left the show after the second season to focus on her burgeoning music career. Her replacement was Gracie Lawrence, whose character arc will never be completed due to the show’s untimely cancellation after the third season.
Lawrence, a 28-year-old ingenue, has already made a splash on Broadway as Connie Francis in the musical Just in Time. She was nominated for a Tony for that portrayal.
But prior to any of that, she and her older brother Clyde formed a band, eponymously titled Lawrence. They’ve released four studio albums in a few short years and have slowly been gaining momentum within the indie music scene.
Swinging by the House of Blues last night on a stop promoting last year’s Family Business album, the outfit played to a full house.
Clyde, parked behind his keys, joined Gracie as they shared lead vocal duties, backed by an impressive six-piece band. Touting a three-piece horn section, the “wall of sound” made by the musicians produced a lush, full presentation not employed by most pop bands.
The stage setup was unique as well. The production design turned the stage into a giant office, with desks, lamps, office chairs, and presumably Swingline staplers, where the band could perform the family business. The siblings, offspring of film director Marc Lawrence, evidently like to incorporate visual flourishes into the concert setting as well, making it both a sound and sight experience.
An amalgam of both soul and pop, the eight-piece ensemble is a difficult band to peg. Grace’s vocals had, at times, a tinge of Minnie Ripperton to them. Clyde’s baritone easily handled the pop requirements. About five tunes into the set, they decided to cover Carole King’s “Natural Woman,” with two guest vocalists taking over the lead duties.
It was a night of surprises, for sure. This band is one to keep an eye on; their ability to bend genre, insightful songwriting, and tunes that become instant earworms make for a unique experience.
