I’m a sucker for a band that make good use of their acoustic instruments, so I couldn’t help but be overjoyed when I heard New Hampshire band A Floor Below’s music. In January of this year, they released a four track EP titled My Own Sea, and it’s each song is full of folk-rock goodness. It’s a little more electrified than your typical folk music, appealing to a wider range of listeners.
By Jane Howkins
Always Sinking starts out with a selection of lovely acoustic guitar melodies, seeing several guitars playing against each other. There’s also some percussion featured, playing a steady beat against the rest of the music. The vocals have a lot of passion, wailing loudly over the music. It’s a little raw sounding, but it makes it sound like a proper live band, which is something that really makes this EP stand head and shoulders above A Floor Below’s peers.
No Horizon continues on in similar fashion, although it’s a little more melancholic sounding. The electric guitars make a real appearance here, swirling away occasionally in the background. The acoustics are still at the forefront of the track though, driving the rhythm forward in a melodious way. The chorus changes things up a little, making it sound more like a grunge song at times.
Down Sometimes has a more positive vibe, using more major chords here than minor. It’s a nice change of pace from the previous track, allowing the listener a little reprieve. It’s also a bit more melodic, however the lyrical themes go against the grain, making for an interesting feel. You can really feel the emotion in the vocals as they carry through the track – something that works really well.
Searchlight rounds things out nicely, opening with a slow acoustic guitar melody. Whilst it starts out subtly, a fast-paced beat soon appears, which sounds more like something out of a ska tune. It’s an interesting move, but it works really well. The main guitar melody here is instantly catchy, getting stuck in your head straight away. The beat changes again as the vocals arrive, seeming almost like an acoustic punk song,
A Floor Below are doing something rather different from the norm and My Own Sea is a great example of their work. I’ll be interested to see what they come up with next time around!
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