There’s something altogether refreshing about a debut EP. It’s the whole “this is what we can do and this is how we can do it” nature of that initial introductory gamble that will either endear them to their new audience and leave them wanting more, or confuse the bejaysus out of everyone. This EP is a great example of how to touch on as many bases as possible while also having that strongly-definable “this is us” about it.
It’s been out for a couple of months now, and only a general loathing of writing about EPs (they tend to finish before I get halfway through) has kept me from going on about it earlier. But it’s certainly been one of my favourite releases of late and definitely one of the more unique ones.
Sam Genders’ new project after parting ways with Folktronica exponents Tunng, Diagrams’ first release is the sound of someone throwing caution to the wind and cementing an identity away from his former bandmates. There are five tracks on offer here, each with a singular musical path but all connected to its source thanks to some excellent songwriting and a desire to make each experience different to the last.
Opening with Night all Night, the first impression is of a plaintive coming-together of Peter Gabriel and Bon Iver, acoustic and electronic instruments backing the layered voices that provide the song’s main thrust. In stark contrast to this is the following Antelope, driven by an odd bassline, languid Jonah Louie vocal delivery and a chorus that seems to consist of pigeon noises, before launching into a brassy midsection. There’s so much going on in this song by way of the buildup of very subtle instrumentation that when it does come together fully it’s a pleasant surprise to realise that it was there all the time.
It’s possible to spot slight references here and there throughout the EP. The vocals and general down-to-earth avuncular nature of Woking suggest an early version of Elbow experimenting with harmonies, and the aforementioned Gabriel/Vernon spirits crop up here and there whenever they are required. And Sam’s own past isn’t abandoned either, with the gentle electronic-embellished folk of Icebreakers being somewhat reminiscent of Tunng’s more reflective moments bringing the record to a gentle close, finally ending with about four minutes of what sounds like gentle waves lapping against the hull of a boat. This last part may seem a little odd in writing, but it’s a calm debut throughout, and this ending is a fitting one.
Hopefully, a full-length LP isn’t too far away, as it’s a captivating and tantalising first glimpse at something that promises to be very special indeed. Sadly, physical stock of this EP has been severely reduced in the wake of the fire during the London Riots that destroyed the PIAS warehouse. Still, that’s not to say that you can’t buy downloads while stock is replenished – head on over to Full Time Hobby’s website for a stream of the whole EP and then buy it from them.
No related posts.
Recent Comments