London’s Arliston have become favourites of ours since we discovered them around this time last year through their emotive track Centre. We followed up with coverage of their singles Mountaineer and Hold My Wine, the latter of which features on their new EP Even In The Shade.

By Graeme Smith

Feature photo by Bo Morgan

When we first discovered Arliston, they were a trio, but then amicably lost their drummer. Continuing as a duo, the change of line up in some ways inspired the sound on this EP. Singer Jack Ratcliffe and instrumentalist George Hasbury create something that is at once intimate but also expansive, mixing in plenty of layers of electronica. Opener Sydenham Place is the perfect example of both. Starting gently with piano and delicate vocals it grows as it progresses into the first chorus, reaching a bombastic place by the end with subtle textures and heightened emotions.

Previously released single Hold My Wine comes next, a delectable piece of nostalgic rock. A middle-class twist on the meme phrase “hold my beer” it’s as witty as it is heart-breaking. It’s as good as I remember and fits nicely here in the EP. It’s followed by TV Dinner, an acoustic centre-piece, it’s slow, contemplative and one for fans of Bon Iver or SYML.

Tombstone Teeth is the EP at its most intimate, with emphasis put on the emotion of Jack’s vocals, before second single Mothering closes the record. It ties the EP’s themes together nicely while also pushing the envelope sound-wise. I think Arliston left the best for last with it. It’s a triumph!

Arliston have a sound that are getting them noticed for all the right reasons. With favourable coverage from Clash and in the blogosphere already, I think this EP will launch them even further into the world’s attention. Even In The Shade is a wonderful offering from a band who won’t let anything hold them back. You can give it a listen below.