The independent music scene has always been a battlefield of passion versus pocketbooks, and for singer-songwriter Gray Days, the struggle is no different. While the original ambition was to deliver a full-length LP, financial constraints common to the indie world narrowed the focus to a tighter, five-track collection. The result is ‘Fragile Steps’, a cohesive and sun-drenched EP released on 12th January 2026 that proves a limited budget is no barrier to world-class atmosphere.
Far from being a solitary endeavour, Gray Days has enlisted a stellar cast of collaborators to bring these compositions to life. Recording took place at Lakehouse Audio, where engineer and producer Simon Dobson not only captured the magic but also stepped in to provide various instrumental flourishes. On the rhythm section, Adam Church provides the heartbeat on drums, while long-time collaborator Michael Greville returns to handle the more intricate guitar work. Gray Days notes that Greville’s inclusion is less about technical necessity and more about his unique flair: “Actually just because of what he adds and his awesome playing.”
The EP kicks off with ‘Flowing’, a track that earns its title through vibrant percussion and a rhythmic guitar hook that demands immediate attention. It is a track of high-energy synchronicity, particularly when Gray Days delivers the biting line, “and it doesn’t mean a fucking thing.” From there, the record leans into the rustic and the raw. ‘Broken Bones’ introduces a mandolin-driven melody that feels both timeless and brooding, while ‘Say What You Want’ slows the pace into a tender, heart-on-sleeve plea for a loved one to stay.
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Perhaps the most intriguing addition is ‘Get Off That Phone’. Unlike its polished counterparts, this track was recorded entirely at home by Gray Days as a simple demo. However, its inclusion was a deliberate choice to preserve its raw personality. “I thought it had a quirky charm as is so added it,” the artist explains. The journey concludes with ‘Take Me To The Ocean’, a finale that blends alt-rock sensibilities with a splash of sun-soaked psychedelia. While Gray Days maintains total creative control over the songwriting and vocal duties, ‘Fragile Steps’ feels like a communal triumph.
You can stream the EP on all major platforms now or support the artist directly on Bandcamp, Facebook, and Instagram.
