As David Gray returns with his first album since 2021, the shadow of his greatest achievement remains long. While later albums have been warmly received, it remains true that the singer-songwriter has struggled to replicate the impact of 1998’s ‘White Ladder’, one of the biggest-selling albums in the history of the UK charts. Having gone to the nostalgia well with an anniversary tour for that breakout release, he’s now rekindled his distinctive folktronica blend for ‘Dear Life’, which is a fine example of the form.
The opener After The Harvest immediately feels like classic Gray, his voice sounding as strong as ever at 56. It has a built-in sense of warmth that allows it to sound both familiar and current, which is carried over to Plus & Minus, a duet with Talia Rae that offers an interesting fusion of his stock sound and glossy pop.
Eyes Made Rain, meanwhile, showcases Gray’s folk roots, putting guitars and vocals at the forefront of the mix while leaving space for something transportive and comforting to bubble under.
Leave Talking wonderfully complements this approach, with electronic flourishes combining with sharp storytelling to eventually come across like an older sibling to some of his earlier work. At nearly seven minutes in length it is decidedly epic but it earns its extended running time, bringing in woodwind and brass in an unexpected but welcome shift.
There is similar slow-burn alchemy on The First Stone, which gradually expands from its synthetic base, adding guitar flecks as it builds into a gorgeous crescendo. In fact, ‘Dear Life’ is defined by its use of texture and fine detail, rewarding multiple listens. It is both meditative and haunting, showing obvious vulnerability while retaining a sense of hope and beauty.
David Gray Upcoming Tour Dates are as follows:
Thu March 13 2025 - PORTSMOUTH Portsmouth Guildhall
Fri March 14 2025 - BRIGHTON Brighton Dome
Sun March 16 2025 - SWANSEA Swansea Arena
Mon March 17 2025 - BATH Bath Forum
Tue March 18 2025 - OXFORD New Theatre
Thu March 20 2025 - NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE O2 City Hall
Fri March 21 2025 - STOCKTON Stockton Globe
Sat March 22 2025 - GLASGOW SEC Armadillo
Mon March 24 2025 - NOTTINGHAM Royal Concert Hall
Tue March 25 2025 - MANCHESTER O2 Apollo
Thu March 27 2025 - SHEFFIELD City Hall
Fri March 28 2025 - LLANDUDNO Venue Cymru Theatre
Sat March 29 2025 - LEICESTER De Montfort Hall
Mon March 31 2025 - LIVERPOOL Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
Tue April 01 2025 - BIRMINGHAM Symphony Hall
Thu April 03 2025 - LONDON Royal Albert Hall
Sat April 05 2025 - DUBLIN 3Arena
Thu May 01 2025 - LIMERICK King Johns Castle
Fri May 02 2025 - DUBLIN 3Arena
Tue May 06 2025 - GLASGOW SEC Armadillo
Thu May 08 2025 - WOLVERHAMPTON University of Wolverhampton at The Civic Hall
Fri May 09 2025 - LONDON London Palladium
Sat May 10 2025 - LONDON London Palladium
Wed August 27 2025 - KILLARNEY Gleneagle INEC Arena
Thu August 28 2025 - KILLARNEY Gleneagle INEC Arena
Sat August 30 2025 - BELFAST Custom House Square
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