Cover photo: Graham Turner – photo by Amy Showell

Lacey are one of those bands you stumble across and wonder how they’ve not already taken over your playlists. Hailing from Nottingham, this alt-rock four-piece, made up of Graham Turner on vocals, guitarists Josh Lewin and Joe Burton, and drummer Dave Pearson. have been quietly grafting away, building a loyal fanbase with their big, emotionally charged tunes and down-to-earth attitude. Their music hits that sweet spot between catchy and cathartic, the kind of songs that feel like they were written just for you. Whether it’s the huge choruses, the honest lyrics, or the raw energy they bring to every live show, Lacey are the real deal. If you’re into bands that wear their hearts on their sleeves and know how to write a tune that sticks, you’re going to want to keep an eye on them.

Tucked away in the heart of Tufnell Park, The Dome is one of London’s most beloved independent music venues, and for good reason. With its old-school charm, high ceilings, and no-frills vibe, it’s the kind of space that makes live music feel raw and intimate, even when it’s packed to the rafters. The sound is big, the lighting’s moody in all the right ways, and there’s just enough grit around the edges to remind you you’re in a proper gig venue, not some polished corporate box.

There’s something strangely beautiful about arriving early for a gig, that half-empty venue buzz, plastic pint glasses in hand, catching snatches of conversation from strangers. You expect the usual slow warm-up from the support band. What you don’t always expect is a set that grabs your attention before you’ve even found your spot near the front. That’s exactly what Lacey did.

I’ll admit, I had only caught Lacey live once before when they supported The Used, but nothing prepared me for the sheer presence they brought on stage. No gimmicks. No massive lighting setup. Just a group of musicians who clearly live for this.
From the moment they walked out, there was an energy, not arrogant, but grounded and magnetic. You could tell they were just as hyped to be there as we were, maybe more. Their frontman had this disarming way of talking to the crowd between songs, like he was catching up with old mates at the pub. Genuine. Funny. Warm.

Musically, it was tight as hell. Their songs carried weight without ever feeling overwrought, soaring vocals, punchy guitars, and lyrics that felt personal without being overly cryptic. There were moments that hit like a wave, those kinds of choruses you find yourself mouthing along to even though you’re hearing them for the first time. It was emotional but never forced. Honest in a way that made you stop and just feel.
What really stuck with me, though, was how they turned a room full of people who mostly didn’t come to see them into fans. You could sense it, heads nodding, strangers nudging each other like, “Who are these guys?” That unspoken thing that happens when a band truly connects.

By the time they wrapped up, the crowd had shifted. People were clapping harder, smiling wider, already pulling out their phones to follow them or check if they had a tour coming up. And as Lakeview’s set began (incredible in its own right), it was clear Lacey had done more than warm up the stage,  they’d left their mark.
In a world full of bands trying to shout the loudest, Lacey stood out by just being real and real talent always cuts through.

In 2023 Lacey dropped their long-awaited new album This Is All We Are, a 14-track powerhouse that many have described as emotionally raw yet irresistibly anthemic.

This Is All We Are feels like a real turning point for the band, polished, emotionally charged, and packed with big, sing-along moments that were made for the stage. Tracks like “Run Away” and “Middle England” have already struck a chord with fans, and it’s clear the band are more confident than ever in their sound.

Their latest single, everybody dies but us, is a must listen and available on Spotify now.

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