EP Review: Stags – Night Time Voices
Night Time Voices EP
Released August 2016
Words: Nick Jacques
Straight out of London comes the foursome Stags. They recently played the Lock Tavern in Camden and on the strength of this EP alone, I am kicking myself for not going as they really serve up a treat for the senses, especially if blues-rock is your musical weapon of choice.
Their new E.P bleeds profusely with distinct razor sharp blues. On EP title track and opener Night Time Voices, vocals howl with strength and passion. Blues- drenched guitar reverb decorates the proceedings in mighty fashion.
It’s then followed up with the more restrained but equally impressive Sun Bleached Baby. The guitar licks seem so compelled to prove their worth and it works effortlessly.
Stags, although might not be breaking in any new musical genre, blend the arrangements of Alabama Shakes with hints of the Black Keys and The White Stripes in expert fashion.
The drumming reminds me a bit of Meg of White Stripes glory, particularly on the track Through The Looking Glass and is reminiscent of one of Jack White’s many signature fret work outs. But just like the vocals and the lead, the drums are just as dynamic throughout their latest release.
The atmosphere lightens up on following tracks such as The Man Who Can and the soulful stripped back sounds of Where God Only Knows. This track in particular really lets the singer’s voice develop a more intimate and personal tone.
After this more lovely Alabama Shakes’ style vocals lead the proceedings on penultimate track Woman with some lush and intricate 60s/70s guitar layers and it takes the singer’s voice into new territory.
This EP really showcases the strength and dynamism between the singer and the lead guitar. The chemistry is almost flawless and they know exactly what they need to do in order to accomplish the right results.
Woman is a great example of this: the structure is there, and the arrangements are right on song, the build-up and anticipation are executed with panache and aptitude.
On the evidence of Night Time Voices, the only way is up for stags. They are very promising act and on the strength and depth of their sound, they seem to have the potential to go onto bigger and better things!
