Thursday 1 October 2015

Ex-People - Loss (EP Review)


Release date: May 25th 2015. Label: Self Released. Formats: DD

Loss - Tracklisting

1.The Erlenmeyer Flask 04:38
2.Jersey Devil 05:08
3.Pilot 06:28

Band Members:

Laura Kirsop - vocals
Vicki Butler - drums
Calum Gunn - guitar
Edward White - bass

Review:

Ex-People's EP has been on constant rotation on my MP3 player for a long time now. I promised the band I would review their debut EP and here it is. Ex-People's debut EP – Loss – is a stunning mix of Doom, Sludge and Stoner though the band mainly excel at creating highly atmospheric gloomy sonic textures.

Opening track – The Erlenmeyer Flask – has a Melvins style noisy sludge rock feel as the band create an almost violent opening with haunting occult style vocals. It's a refreshing style of Occult based Doom/Sludge Metal with plenty of bite.

Second track – Jersey Devil – carries on the same style of Sludge/Stoner/Doomy vibe from the opening song but Ex-People add a distinctive 90s grunge feel as the riffs become heavier and noisier with the vocals pitched at the right level. It's a very bass heavy affair and when the band venture into psychedelic waters then Ex-People really do become something special indeed within the UK Doom Metal scene. All I can say about this song is that it feels Chelsea Wolfe is jamming with the legendary BORIS. You will understand when you hear it. Earthly, hollow vocals matched against unpredictable psych and noisy guitars.

Third track – Pilot – is my fave song on the EP as it has a stripped back approach with the guitars adding plenty of menace before Laura's fantastic vocals appear to reign supreme. Just immerse yourself with the music as Ex-People have something about them as they have a great sound of their own. The instrumental work is flawless through out as the band leave you begging for more.

Loss is an excellent debut EP and I have a feeling we will be hearing more from Ex-People in the future. Definitely a band to keep an eye on. Check it out for yourself. Awesome. End Of.

Words by Steve Howe

Links:

Facebook | BandCamp