The Nebraska alt-rock band sharpen their sound through collaborative guitar work and focused studio production.
Nebraska alt-rock outfit GRAVEKEY have returned with You Smile When You’re Lying, their first new material since the 2023 debut EP, Madness.
The track began with a verse melody written at 1am three years ago before evolving into a high-energy release carrying echoes of Paramore’s Misery Business.
New guitarist Zac Coté was given creative control over the additional lead parts, bringing a sharper edge to the band’s established sound. Frontwoman Jessi Day recorded her vocals under the time pressure of a dedicated studio session; an environment she credits with pushing her performance further.
The single was mixed and mastered by Morgan Rezac at Sekret Studios and previews eight more songs currently in development.
Completed by bassist Morgan Kounovsky and drummer Jared Rechsteiner, GRAVEKEY combine Day’s classical training with influences including Evanescence, Paramore, Flyleaf, Breaking Benjamin and Pat Benatar.
Having shared stages with Drowning Pool, Saliva, The Protest and Zamtrip, the band are now entering their next chapter with a growing catalogue and a more collaborative creative process.