On his Instagram page, Grennan writes: “I can’t even explain to you how mad it is writing this but…. ALLY PALLY… dreamt of playing this venue from the first time I ever walked into it and it’s now happening!!!! This is gunna go off and we’ve all missed live shows so come join me and my dreams because I want you all there with me!” 

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A post shared by Tom Grennan (@tom.grennan)

Fans took to social media to voice their excitement about the gig. 

@17Cheeky17 posted: “Yesssss!!!! Eeeeeekkkkk!!! So happy to hear this!! World ain’t ready for you!!! cannot wait!!!” 

@AuthorHelenJ said: “This is amazing! Such a great venue, sure the show will be awesome.” 

@steveh2310 added: “Well chuffed for you hopefully get a uk tour next year couldn’t happen to a better guy.”

Evering Road to Ally Pally 30th September 2021, are we ready??! https://t.co/TfNKTSIFW9 pic.twitter.com/PtnK8necxJ

— Tom Grennan (@Tom_Grennan) February 10, 2021

Evering Road will be Grennan’s second album, after the release of Lighting Matches in 2018. The new LP is due to be released on 5th March, and follows singles This Is the Place, Amen, Something Better and Little Bit Of Love, which is Radio X’s Record of the Week. 

This announcement follows a virtual concert from Grennan last week, which faced an hour-long delay due to the livestream crashing after 27,000 fans tried to watch. 

Grennan rose to fame after featuring on single All Goes Wrong by Chase and Status in 2016. He has since appeared on the BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge and Later… with Jools Holland. 

The song’s title and lyrical content are supported by the musical arrangement in the chorus where layered backing vocals and call and response techniques are used to create a gospel feel. The sections in the song are contrasting with the verses allowing vocals to take the forefront, with only a few chords played on a piano or strummed on an acoustic guitar and hand claps and clicks marking the backbeat. The chorus takes a step up in the dynamic with the entry of simple, supportive drums and additional vocals.

The song’s stripped back, acoustic style is suitable for an autumn release and has benefited from a laid back version for Radio 1’s Piano Sessions. The focus in this release it Grennan’s unique and gravelly vocal performance which stands out amongst the sparse arrangement. While the theme of religion is key to the tune’s expressive chorus, this is used more as a metaphor for the variety of things which people put their faith in.

Thank you for having me down for the Piano Session @BBCR1 @philytaggart here’s my new single AMEN https://t.co/nyRki4rz8P pic.twitter.com/y2KJa64nVY

— Tom Grennan (@Tom_Grennan) October 6, 2020

The influence of Gospel and Rhythm and Blues can be felt throughout this track, especially in Grennan’s approach to singing which is at once passionate and deeply powerful. It is a trade mark of Rhythm and Blues music to have strong, emotional vocal performances and lyrics of a deeply personal nature, both of which Grennan achieves in this song. On top of this, the use of handclaps through the verses to mark the backbeat and the simple drums in the chorus show a mature understanding of rhythm and the vocal phrasing shows a good feel for where the pulse lies at all times.

The positive response to the single may be in part due to the online performance Grennan recorded at Brixton Academy to support the release and album release announcement later that day. According to Clash Music, streamers ‘were treated to well-loved songs from Grennan’s debut album ‘Lighting Matches,’ and new songs too.’ ‘Lighting Matches,’ was released on 6th July 2018 and spent 3 weeks in the UK top 40, according to the Official Charts. Performing live streamed gigs is becoming more and more common amongst UK musicians who are using it as a way to continue performing despite very limiting restrictions on social gatherings.

 

 

 

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Alternate album cover? A post shared by Tom Grennan (@tom.grennan) on Oct 6, 2020 at 9:18am PDT

Speaking about the new album, Radio X reports Grennan’s social media announcement which explained that ‘Evering Road,’ is an address in Clapton where ‘Grennan lived with his ex.‘ and it is a fitting title since he describes the whole album as ‘all about a past relationship.’ The album promises to be an honest look into the like of one of the UK’s most sensitive songwriters and powerful vocalists. The emotional singer songwriter is certainly looking to be a common trope with Grennan in good company of artists such as Lewis Capaldi working in a similar style and achieving great success.