Thunderous guitar work backed by heavy-duty bass and drums is a Gracious Few staple as the band mixes a ‘70s big-guitar attitude with a dash or two of modern nuances. Composed of three members of Live – guitarist Chad Taylor, bassist Patrick Dahlheimer and drummer Chad Gracey – along with vocalist Kevin Martin and Candlebox guitarist Sean Hennesy, The Gracious Few begins its first headlining tour next month with an almost retro sound that harkens back to the early days of bands like AC/DC, but would fit right in with, say, Velvet Revolver or The Dead Weather.

The band’s self-titled debut, which drops Sept. 14, was produced by Jerry Harrison, who said he challenged band members to work outside their individual comfort zones to bring about “positive change.”

“I had to carefully balance the emotion of the guys closing one chapter while pursuing the dynamics of creating a new one,” Harrison said. “I didn’t want the scars of the past to prevent them from trusting each other. You have to get to that place to make a great album.”

The tour begins in Buffalo, NY, at the Tralf Music Hall Sept. 24; plays Toronto’s Mod Club Sept. 25 and hits Rochester, NY, for a gig at the Water Street Music Hall Sept. 26. Playing mostly clubs the band will also touch down in places like Atlanta, Little Rock, Dallas, Raleigh, Philadelphia, Memphis, Cincinnati, and Houston before wrapping up the outing in New York City at The Fillmore @ Irving Plaza Nov. 3.

“We had to let our metaphoric hair down and let the music flow,” lead singer Martin said. “You’ve got a world-class rhythm section playing heavy blues based songs mixed with screaming guitars. This is really raw, powerful music and I was ready to jump in.”

For more info, including ticket presale details, click here for The Gracious Few website.