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Review |
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Whilst most of us wake early in the morning to drive
to our 9 to 5 jobs and get an early night in preparation
for a repeat performance the next day, some people
live very different lives. In the confined space
of a bedroom, Alex Sears spends his time when not
on tour, tirelessly writing new material for the
new Decade album. After the success of their recent
self titled release, he has his work cut out to
produce something that be held up to the same standard.
In a recent interview with William Francis (William
Control, Aiden), Wiliam discussed his work flow
from year to year. He explained to keep himself
fresh and interested in the music be creates,
he switches between his two musical outlets. It
seems that Mr. Sears must have been having the
same brain wave, as for the past week he has taken
a break from writing new material for Decade.
In just 5 days, Alex has conceived a new solo
project named 'Sophomore', and written, recorded,
mixed and mastered a 3 track EP entitled 'Teller'.
Released on Sunday at 7pm via band camp for free
download, this EP demonstrates some of the hidden
musical desired in the young and talented musician.
Sadly even before pressing play on this unexpected
release, fans, family and friends are informed
by a small note that this will likely be the only
release from Sophomore due to Alex's commitments
to Decade.
This news is even more devastating as the mouse
hits play. As the title track 'Teller' begins
to play we are introduced to a sound that fills
the room, and a snare that kicks you in the face.
I am baffled at how this has been produced in
a bedroom as it sounds like weeks worth of recording
in a high end professional studio. The accidents
on the drums throw you slightly off beat as they
accompany full rhythm guitars and solo lines.
As the track breaks into a steadier beat, we are
introduced to a vocal that is recognisable as
the Alex Sears we know from Decade, but with a
very different sound. Gone are the breathy endings
to lines and we are now introduced to a double
vocal harmonizing with each other. The opening
riff is introduced and is now shown to be the
chorus with what can only be described as an epic
vocal line and intricate harmonies. The sound
is so full, and immediately i am closing my eyes
to imagine this being performed in front of me.
The track continues on and never quite lets you
settle into knowing what is coming next, as it
throws a slightly more upbeat pre chorus before
the final chorus.
The second track 'Count Yourself' adds a more
upbeat feel to the EP. Each time i listen i focus
on different elements of the track and i find
myself thinking back to tracks from older albums
of bands like 'The Used' and Funeral For A Friend'.
The guitar sounds can't help but bring your mind
to 'Kids in Glass Houses' but overall the influence
of 'Hundred Reasons' is clear. The strong vocal
harmonies and trick timings (especially at the
end of the chorus) start to embed as a trade mark
feature of this solo project.
The final track 'Park Street' was released via
Youtube a day before the EP release as a teaser.
My personal favorite of this mini EP, the sheer
emotion that is put into the track and the 'Two
Tongues' style double vocal simply blew my mind
on first listen. The odd drum timing is impressive
to be included on an album with no real drumming,
and it helps secure the illusion that a full band
was involved in the writing of these songs. The
inclusion of a simple guitar solo is another non
standard edition and the short track lengths keep
me begging for more.
My only negative from this EP is how empty i feel
at the as the final track ends. I am drained of
emotion from becoming so attached to the songs
and i am heartbroken to know that this was just
an experiment. I long for this to be a band so
i can see these tracks performed live, and for
more material to be produced in the future.
The talent and musical genius that is beginning
to grow growing at a rapid pace inside the head
of Mr. Sears. As sad as the news is to fans of
Sophomore, this is an exciting insight into the
ideas that Alex has to bring to the table for
future Decade releases.
The EP is free to download but has a donate button.
The Sophomore Facebook page posted an update that
said that people have been showing their appreciation
and gratitude by donating money when downloading.
I think this action speaks louder than any words
i can say about the quality of these three short
tracks. Its going to take me a while to get over
this experience, as this EP has become the most
listened to Album on my iTunes library and it
has only been released a day as of writing this.
Either my laptop is due to burn out from over
use, or i am due to die from insomnia.
Simply Epic.
5/5
Review by Neil Oliver |
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| Band
Members |
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| Track
Listing |
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1. Teller
2. Count Yourself
3. Park Street |
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| Band
Related Links |
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| Review
Score Code |
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- Top Cheese
- Brilliant
- Pretty damn good
- Ok I guess
-
What Was That? |
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