In the modern indie landscape, the distance between a musician’s ambition and their bank balance is a gap many fail to bridge. For Gray Days, the original plan for 2026 involved a full-length album, but the cold reality of independent financing meant pivoting toward a more concise format. The result of this shift is ‘Fragile Steps’, a five-track EP that proves sometimes a shorter runtime allows for a much sharper focus. Released on 12 January, this collection feels less like a compromise and more like a curated journey through an artist’s psyche.
While Gray Days remains the primary architect—handling all songwriting and vocal duties—he hasn't travelled this road alone. The EP was brought to life at Lakehouse Audio under the watchful eye of producer Simon Dobson, who lent his multi-instrumental talents to the mix. The sonic foundations are bolstered by Adam Church’s intuitive drumming and the returning Michael Greville, whose presence on the "trickier bits" isn't merely a technicality. As Gray Days puts it, Greville is there “actually just because of what he adds and his awesome playing.”
The record bursts open with ‘Flowing’, a track that lives up to its name with a rhythmic guitar hook and a percussive energy that feels remarkably immediate. There is a palpable synergy here, peaking when the vocals and instrumentation align on the biting refrain: “and it doesn’t mean a fucking thing.” This momentum shifts into the earthy, mandolin-led ‘Broken Bones’, a track that manages to feel both ancient and fresh, leaning into a jangling melodic uplift that balances out its more brooding lyrical undertones.
The EP’s heart is most visible on ‘Say What You Want’, a tender acoustic ballad where the production strips back to let a vulnerable plea for connection take centre stage. Yet, for all the polish of the studio tracks, the DIY spirit of the project shines brightest on ‘Get Off That Phone’. Originally a home-recorded demo, Gray Days decided to keep it in its raw state because “I thought it had a quirky charm as is so added it.” It’s a gamble that pays off, providing a lo-fi palette cleanser before the sprawling finale, ‘Take Me To The Ocean’. This closing track is a masterclass in atmosphere, blending rustic charm with echoes of sun-soaked psychedelia and timeless alt-rock.
‘Fragile Steps’ may have been born from necessity, but it stands as a triumphant testament to indie resilience. You can stream ‘Fragile Steps’ on all major platforms now, along with the rest of his ever-growing discography. To support the journey, find Gray Days on Bandcamp, Facebook, and Instagram.
