Matt Steven, the creative force behind The Easter Parade, has once again proven his ability to craft deeply evocative music with his latest single, ‘Yesterday’s Grace’. As the second release from his forthcoming EP, Raindrops on the Lens, this song builds upon the introspective and cinematic qualities that defined his debut single, Sing Our Kids to Sleep. With influences ranging from Nick Cave to Randy Newman, Yesterday’s Grace is a melancholic yet beautiful composition that transports the listener into a world of memory, longing, and emotional reckoning.
From the first notes, Yesterday’s Grace feels timeless. The song’s foundation rests on a hauntingly expressive piano, recorded in Paris on a rainy day—an atmospheric detail that only enhances its nostalgic feel. The arrangement is lush yet never overwhelming, allowing the listener to fully absorb every note and lyric.
One of the standout elements of the track is the stirring string arrangement by Joseph O’Keefe (known for his work with Calum Scott and Lucy Spraggan). The strings ebb and flow with the song’s emotional peaks, enhancing the cinematic quality that Steven so deliberately crafts. Meanwhile, the mix by Daryll McFayden and mastering by Pete Maher (whose credits include Nick Cave, U2, and The Pixies) ensure a warm, polished sound that retains the organic intimacy of a live performance.
Steven’s lyricism is both poetic and deeply personal. Yesterday’s Grace captures the bittersweet nature of memory—the tension between holding on and letting go, doing the right thing versus the easy thing, and trying to make sense of life’s pivotal moments. Inspired by his experiences in New York and his love for Sergio Leone’s Once Upon a Time in America, the song paints vivid emotional landscapes that feel like scenes from a classic film.
The lyrics invite interpretation, but at its core, Yesterday’s Grace is about the ghosts of the past—people who shaped us, moments that linger, and the inevitable passage of time. Steven’s reflective storytelling is reminiscent of Ron Sexsmith and Tom Waits, yet his voice remains distinctly his own.
One of the most remarkable aspects of Yesterday’s Grace is how immersive and film-like it feels. Steven has spoken about his desire to create music that could accompany old black-and-white films or be discovered in a collection of vintage photographs. That vision comes to life through the song’s warm, analog feel, the delicate reverb on the piano, and the carefully layered instrumentation. Every element feels intentional, serving the song’s emotional weight without excess.
With Yesterday’s Grace, The Easter Parade has crafted something truly special—a song that transcends time and genre, existing in its own space between nostalgia and modern artistry. It’s a track that will resonate deeply with those who appreciate the storytelling prowess of Nick Cave, the melodic charm of Randy Newman, and the atmospheric beauty of Salvador Sobral.
As Steven prepares to release his full EP, Raindrops on the Lens, this single sets the stage for what promises to be an extraordinary collection of songs. Yesterday’s Grace is not just music—it’s an experience, a feeling, a moment of reflection that lingers long after the last note fades.
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