Soulful vocals, rock tendencies and pop melodies, bryden’s debut EP ‘The Rites’ offers three tasteful, at times explosive and at times reflective and considered tracks showcasing what an exciting up and coming artist this London solo artist is.
Opening with the soulful, distorted lead vocals and swelling organs of ‘Pearl’, the trakc lulls you into a false sense of serenity before gradually building towards the explosive, distorted guitar led wall of noise in the chorus. Punching drums and deep bass punch from underneath bryden’s boxy layers of vocals contrasting brilliantly with the melancholy tinted verse.
As the track reaches it’s climax, the lead vocals become more frantic and horse, yearning and expressive, showcasing not only a driving, intense sense of expression but also just how he means every single word. A striking intro to bryden’s multifaected sound.
Track two, the previous single ‘Blood’ (one which I reviewed, so feels like an old friend) continues to deliver on the neo-soul-come-indie-rock sound with perhaps a more levelled sense of harmony – a feeling that this is the a more balanced blend of bryden’s varying styles. Full of earworm melodies, silky vocal runs and wash of tasteful and warming, crunchy distortion which gently tints every element of the track. Tight and grounded, ‘Blood’ is soul infused bedroom-pop gem.
Closing with the EPs lead track, and probably the EPs highlight ‘Leap’, bryden goes more straight indie-pop-rock, something which suits him very well. An emotive, driven performance over a tight more obviously minor chorus progression, the tracks soundscape of driving bass line, dappled delay and reverb soaked guitars shines. Bryden spits his lyrics with a bitter sting, displaying the more gravelly side of his vocal abilities to match the intensity of the musical backdrop.
As the track progresses, layering guitar lines and reaching the ear-worm chorus ‘Leap’ flexes bryden’s impeccable ability to deliver infectious melodies which never seem forced, just balance with the music perfectly. At the three minute mark as the track truly explodes, there enters a gorgeous, soaring guitar solo before the track bounces into a hugely impactful, stuttering, psych tinted middle eight and ending with a climactic final chorus. Banger.
All in all, this three track EP displays bryden as an exciting up and coming talent with a lot of musical ideas and a varying array of influences which create a unique soul tinted indie-pop-rock sound. It’s hard to say where bryden will settle sonically and I will say that the EP does feel at times like he hasn’t quite decided on his sound himself as yet, but nonetheless, these are three well put together tunes with catchy hooks and exciting musicality. Definitely keep your eyes on this London newcomer, I have no doubt he’ll release some stunning tunes over the coming months.
Listen below:
