STAND ALONE // "FALLING FASTER" - EP REVIEW
STAND ALONE - “FALLING FASTER” - RELEASED: FRIDAY 30TH NOVEMBER 2018
★★★★★★★★☆☆ (8.5/10)
Bradford based rockers, Stand Alone, release their new EP “Falling Faster” at the end of the month. The record’s opener “Save You” is an accomplished blend of diverse rock genres. Initially I was worried the vocals were set too far back but by the pre-chorus everything felt like all it came together. What I enjoyed most was the unexpected arrangement shifts towards the end, the sort of thing I’ve come to love from their more established northern cousins, The Wildhearts.
A great, nostalgic introduction to their music.
The sentiment continues in “Never Stand Alone” and it’s like I’m surrounded by all of their influences. Bands like Therapy come through during the initial riffs but make way for the American rock mould of the late nineties. The chorus and has an Offspring feel and it elevates the track to another level. It all works well together whilst tackling the difficult topic of depression. A subject that needs to be talked about more and I respect any artist who does what they can to raise awareness.
As a band they don’t seem to be afraid to tackle these difficult issues head on and with “Repose En Paix” they revolt against recent terror attacks and their wide reaching effects. The name translates from French to “Rest in Peace” and whilst the song rebels against the faceless aggressors it's also their way of showing respect to those who lost their lives in the Paris attacks and around the world. The string section in the middle creates a moment of reflection that feels like a poignant mark of respect.
The final track “616” features the prominent Celtic inspired guitarist, Dave Brons. This track covers all of the styles and influences mentioned already but with a pleasingly unpredictable arrangement that keeps you on your toes. The last 60 seconds are the perfect ending to the record. The overlapping melodies and guitars are reminiscent of Mansun’s 1997 Album “Attack of the Grey Lantern”, it's not a comparison I expected to be making 20 minutes ago but I'm pleased I am. The track ends with a haunting and reflective piano arrangement that provides the perfect closure to the EP.
Overall the band know how to create hooks and weave intricacies into their work. There were a couple of occasion where these intricacies felt more convoluted and compromised but on the whole this is a solid record, one that grows on you and one they can be very proud of.
REVIEW BY: ALAN WHITFIELD
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