AFTER LONDON: EP REVIEW
Listen if you like:
Florence Welch’s vocals
London gigs
Miles Kane guitar
Alternative, 90s grunge/indie
Five-piece alternative rock band, After London, are releasing their new single ahead of a self-titled debut EP. Their single ‘All The Same Now’ was sent to us ahead of its release on Wednesday and we have to admit, we’re pretty impressed.
The opening guitar is a grungier The Last Shadow Puppets with smooth, siren-like vocals easing you the romance of their EP. The guitar is kept simple - parallel to Francesca’s atmospheric vocals that remind me of an early Florence Welch or maybe a rockier Cat Power with that typically indie lower-larynx vocal. Layered vocals throughout the chorus move slightly away from their previously grungy sound and into something inspired by the Cocteau Twins.
The single could be seen as a love song to the disillusionment of London’s dying music scene. The repetitive vocals, as well as the steady drum and plucked guitar echo the rhythm of its death.
IT'S ALL THE SAME NOW //
IT'S ALL THE SAME NOW //
The structuring shows real potential. The chorus seems sadder the longer the song goes on, even though there’s no distinguishable change in music, tone or lyric – the only shift is your own experience of the loss of true DIY indie.
After London are exciting. The poetic lyrics, the great guitar potential and the fantastic layering effects point to a band that could really shoot up to success. Their use of strings is another lovely subtle addition that shows a sophistication to their sound. I hope we see this come more to the forefront in their EP.
This song is a teaser trailer with little snapshots into their greatness. Keep an eye on these guys – there could be an explosion.