"Graces Downfall offers clear and rich vocals, memorable melodies, chunky riffs, big hooks and booming production. It’s all there, in full modern-rock glory, yet the arrangements are clever and the sound is fresh." - The Weekender.

Graces Downfall, based out of Scranton, PA, has been building its audience in Northeastern Pennsylvania for six years. With a fresh modern-rock sound that puts an emphasis on lyrical content, the group has released two critically-acclaimed CDs, 2008’s “A Basement In Laflin” and 2010’s “Always The Victim.” And in November, the band will release its third album, which like its predecessors will be produced by Bret Alexander (Breaking Benjamin, The Badlees) and Paul Young (Pan.a.ce.a)

“I’m excited about the growth of the band,” says Norton. “Everybody’s level of musicianship has progressed and the songwriting has actually become a lot easier. We’ve become a lot more comfortable with ourselves, we’ve learned how to write a good chorus and a good hook, and we continue to challenge ourselves as songwriters. It’s all about life. That’s where the songs come from.”

Graces Downfall names Pearl Jam, 311, Incubus, 10 Years and A Day To Remember as influences. But Alexander, who has co-produced all of the band’s work and has twirled the knobs with several national acts, says the band’s music is clearly not derivative.

“It’s alternative rock with a twist of heaviness on some songs and the lightness and melody of the softest song you’ve ever heard on others,” he says. “They’re certainly one of Pennsylvania’s most promising young bands.

While developing a loyal following in its home region, Graces Downfall has also earned radio airplay on several rock stations and, on one occasion, performed an entire hour of original material on a live radio broadcast. (102.3-FM, Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.) The group has also shared the stage with acts such as Saliva, Tantric, 10 Years and Rev Theory. Norton says the band takes pride in its live performances.

“There’s just so much energy between the four of us, giving 110 percent on each song,” he says. “There’s this fire about everybody on stage. People will get a good vibe off the music. They’ll feel the music. All of the music is built off of situations that people can relate to. And we play every show like it’s going to be the last one, or like we’re playing to an arena. We’re putting on the best shows that we can, day in and day out.”