Label: Self-released
Release Date: 29th May 2020
Rating: 8/10
"For a newly established band, The Stylus Method have a clear-cut identity which is uncommon in debut releases."
Leeds-based, local talent The Stylus Method released their debut EP ‘Ready To Roll’ on the 29th of May. Hailing from the University of Leeds, I’m heavily invested in the Leeds music scene, so this little gem was a pleasure to discover. Produced by the band’s bassist and vocalist, this debut showcases the immense talent exuded by this four-piece, aiming to put a modern spin on rock and roll. Watch this space.
The opening track, ‘Ready To Roll’, has very clear influences from The Beatles. The playful simplicity of the lyrics in the chorus (“Give me a smile, change your style, just for a while”) screams Please Please Me era, with the vocal harmonies further contributing to this feel. The guitar solo towards the end of the track is killer and exudes confidence. With such a strong sense of identity, you wouldn’t know that this is the band’s first release, that’s for sure. The end of the song is clean, signalled by each instrument stopping on a clear beat, as is typical of 60s rock and roll. An irritating fade-out is common these days, so this finality was a breath of fresh air.
The McCartney-style vocals further seep through on ‘Get On With The Show’. This track, along with ‘Ready To Roll’, is upbeat and energetic. Around three minutes in, the songs strips back, revealing an intimate moment between the vocals and the rhythm guitar before the bass, drums, and lead guitar come back in.
Following on from the high energy of ‘Ready To Roll’ and ‘Get On With The Show’, ‘3 Hours’ shifts the mood completely, reflecting the versatility of this up-and-coming group. This track is particularly beautiful, and it’s my personal favourite on the EP. For me, the floating feeling created by the chord sequence paired with the guitar riff replicates the same energy present in ‘Wicked Game’ by Chris Isaak, whether that was intentional or not. The feel of the riff also replicates some a slight Beach Boy dynamic.
With a length of just two-and-a-half minutes, ‘Where Is The Bee Gent?’ is a pleasant closer. It feels nicely effortless, and the energy is reminiscent of ‘I Saw Her Standing There’ and suchlike. For a newly established band, The Stylus Method has a clear-cut identity which is uncommon in debut releases. With an album hopefully on the way later in the year, this is only the beginning for the four-piece.
FUZZY caught up with the lead singer of The Stylus Method, Jordan, ahead of their EP release, which you can read here. ‘Ready To Roll’ is available to stream on all major platforms now.
Words by Eleanor Noyce.
9th June 2020.
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