Alternative-Rock Glaswegians release bold 6 track EP at the end of May and every song is a journey you didn’t know you needed to go on.
Once in a while you stumble across a song or album that just speaks to your very being, to what it personally means to be you. Its an invigorating feeling where you feel as though you are finally understood again, even if not personally written for you, it feels like it might of been. Vanderlye’s 6 track EP is a journey from start to finish, not only creating excellent melodies and achieving flawless cohesiveness between each musician, but lyrically each song serves to tell a story, to unravel a truth that changes depending on who is listening. I delve into a couple of my favourite’s in this review, taking a deep dive into what makes them so profound and how the EP stands to unveil the vulnerability of life through soaring instrumentals and dynamic dual vocals that compliment each other beautifully.
A stunning opening to a powerfully vulnerable EP and a personal favourite of mine that I feel needs to have a shout out. ‘Understand’ strips it way back, focusing solely on the guitar and the impressive vocals of Becky Clarke as she sings of losing someone. Acting as a sort of introduction to the album being just under a minute and a half; ‘ Understand’ set the tone for the rest of the EP. The intensity of the lyrics paired with the mellow music allows for an ethereal flow to the song where the only thing you can focus on is what Clarke sings about, creating more of an impact. This further showcases the EP’s vulnerability and the range of talent produced by the band as well as the bands ability to blend emotional meaning with catchy melodies.
Flawlessly blending from ‘Understand’ into the title track ‘The Reckoning’ the band create a contrast to the previous raw ballad style of ‘Understand’ showcasing the bands width of talent and ability to blend multiple styles. This is a song you can blast on a sunny day in your car as you drive down the road. The soaring anthemic melody paired with the lilting beauty of Clarkes voice and the contrasting yet complimentary sound of Sean McGarvey’s vocals creating a song that just demands to be sung along to. Its a huge talent to be able to write lyrics that can resonate so deeply with people and furthermore there is something special about being able to accompany that with flawless music that empowers the lyrics rather than overshadows, Vanderlye tick every one of these boxes in my opinion. As beautifully put by McGarvey:
“At its core, The Reckoning is about reclaiming agency. It’s very much what the title suggests – a critical juncture. The songs reflect the dualities of life and love – heartbreak and healing, guilt and growth, chaos and clarity. It’s a reckoning with the past, and a tentative reach towards what lies ahead.
Across the whole EP each song speaks of a different journey of self discovery, forgiveness and what it means to love and lose, which is what makes the EP so special. The songs each tell a story which can be transferred into your own personal journey and interpretation. ‘Romantic Anarchy’ speaks of connection while still feeling empty. ‘ This Plastic Ego’ takes a more conversational tone as two people reflect on a broken relationship. ‘Terrible Comfort’ reveals a illusion of control. And finally ‘Guilty Lovers and Heartbreak Serenades ends the EP with a bang, incorporating a dynamic instrumental conclusion to the journey of The Reckoning as the instruments are given a chance to shine. Each one holds space for the listeners own interpretations creating an accessible narrative on understanding ones elf through musical enjoyment.
I honestly can say I cannot wait to see what journey of self discovery Vanderlye take me on next and I wait with bated breath for another taste of their impressive talent.
