The Streams
The Streams
May 6 2013 (self-release + digital)
7/10
Words: Andrew Major
Stirling-based The Streams release their self-titled debut EP this month and they’ve got a thing a two to show us about how to make an impact. Complete with some beautiful artwork, the offering slams you in at the deep end with a collection of crunching riffs teamed with clever and thoughtful instrumentation that all in all makes for some in-depth and enjoyable listening; not bad for a band celebrating their one year birthday!
The EP kicks off with track ‘LemonHaze’. Drawing close comparisons to fellow Scots We Were Promised Jetpacks, 'LemonHaze' has you in a headlock within thirty seconds and doesn’t release its grip until the first line of uplifting and soothing vocals are delivered. A true four minute journey of textures and tones; the vocals really come into their own as “Time waits for no man, so I’m coming home” is repeated until the inevitable but still thoroughly gratifying outro of epic proportions finally pulls you back up for air. Not a bad start at all…
The band tell us that the EP was recorded in the apparently haunted Tolbooth in Stirling and track ‘Show Me The Forest’ certainly has no shortage of haunting strings and swirling soundscapes. Its delays and reverb all the way, offset with an interesting, creeping bass-line and another heavily accented and emotive vocal delivery. I was hoping for a slightly more drawn out, delicate intro before being immersed once more in layers distortion and hard hitting drum work, however ‘Show me the Forest’ is another good track from an increasingly promising band.
Finally, ‘Walls’ offers yet more distorted riffs and crashing cymbals from the off. Almost two tracks for the price of one, with some very clever marching snare work intersecting the song’s two main sections, ‘Walls’ makes for an intelligent and well thought out addition to the EP; despite this, some slight variations in structure and style would be welcome as the band progress and build their sound.
With support slots for artists such as The 1975 under their belt, you could well hear a lot from The Streams in 2013.
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