State of Grace

State of Grace

State of Grace is a UK downtempo and dream pop group formed in the early 1990s by vocalist Sarah Simmonds and guitarist Paul Arnall. The duo are the group’s core members. Their sound combines dance-pop and club-oriented production with melodic pop elements, and it is often compared with the style of Cocteau Twins.

Early singles and releases

The group begins releasing singles in England in 1992, starting with “Camden.” This is followed by “Love Pain and Passion” and “Miss You.” These tracks later appear on Pacific Motion, a compilation of singles and rarities. In 1993, the group issues the Hello EP, which receives a muted critical response.

Later work

By the mid-1990s, State of Grace moves away from its earlier club sound as the UK dance scene changes. In 1996, the group releases Jamboreepop on RCA. The record places more emphasis on pop than dance, and includes an eight-minute remix of “Carmen,” a 1992 single, among its standout tracks. In 1997, the group follows with Everyone Else’s Universe on 3rd StoneZ.

Style and reception

State of Grace is associated with British dance-pop, downtempo, and dream pop. Its early singles are noted for their melodic, dreamy character, while later releases show a shift away from the club-based material that first defines the group.