We’ve featured London based indie band Arliston a few times over the past year or so, with their music sounding better and better each time I listen to it! Their EP, Even in the Shade, was released back in November to rapturous applause, so it’s something I really recommend you check out! A full stream can also be found at the end of this review.
By Jane Howkins
There are five amazing tracks on this EP, with Sydenham Place being the perfect opener. Despite now being a duo, the band’s sound is really expansive here, featuring some gorgeous backing effects alongside the piano that characterises this song so well. The vocals are also stunning to behold, raising up to some lofty heights, showing a great deal of range throughout the track. The chorus is particularly stunning to listen to here.
Hold My Wine is more of a classic folk song, featuring a lovely fingerpicked guitar melody as the main instrumentation here. The vocals sound a little distant on this track, but they’re wonderfully combined in a subtle manner with the rest of the music. The drums expand the sound even further, creating some wonderful layers within the music. It all makes for a very contemplative listen overall.
The interestingly titled TV Dinner is up next, sounding even more stripped-down at first. A single guitar melody opens this song up, with the higher vocals making a reappearance on this track. The vocal harmonies are really beautiful, seeing Arliston crafting a gorgeous texture on this tune. I found myself reminded a lot of Bon Iver’s work, although it’s different enough to stand alone.
Tombstone Teeth is an incredibly intimate and emotive track, as the vocals show a huge range of emotion as they sing quietly over the acoustic guitar lines that make up this amazing tune. It really is a beautiful track, segueing into closer Mothering in a fantastic way. The final song is Arliston as their quietest, seeing the piano return, performing alongside some haunting backing effects. It’s a beautiful culmination to this stunning record.
Arliston are a duo on the up and up, with their EP, Even in the Shade, showing just how amazing their songwriting skills are. If you like your indie folk music, this is for you!
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