Minimal lighting, drifting smoke and a sense of the earth about you might bring you somewhere close to what The Steals are trying to accomplish with their debut EP. Chord structures are simple, along with steady bass lines and building percussion – all aimed at allowing John Hogg (Guitars) and Jayn Hanna (Vocals) to soar and swoop above in attempt to create haunting, dark and melodic atmospheres. The songs here are introspective and sit well within their own niche-genre. With that in mind you will either adore the atmospheres created or walk away mildly interested and a little bored.
“Out of Here” makes for a strong start and sets the scene well for the rest of the EP. There’s a touch of Pink Floyd in Hogg’s craftsmanship as he moves around the limited chords with consummate ease. “Over Me” is driven by a beautifully picked lead which builds as instruments fall into place and build on their own parts. Hanna’s vocal is ethereal in quality drifting across the track and all of it is mixed excellently. This is testament to Hanna’s appreciation for sound, dynamics and the necessity for build and direction within a song.
“Give it All Back” opens with more atmosphere as the slide guitar picks out the first few notes. A driving bass line kicks in and you have the bones of the song right there. The simplicity that The Steals profit so much from on this EP possibly proves to be a downfall on this track as the lack of variety makes the length of the track a little indulgent.
Despite this Hanna has done an admirable job of bleeding the track into “Sinner” which is arguably the finest track on the EP. This song steps beyond the introspection of the rest of the EP and blossoms brightly. The gentle build in the mix is in evidence again, with extra voices, percussion and guitar coming into evidence. Hogg’s guitar work is again atmospheric with a real sense of space about it and the ending leaves you wanting more.
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The title track is simple, beautifully played and delivered by Hanna and Hogg. It is here that you can appreciate just how well suited to each other the members of The Steals are. There’s nothing flashy going on, just a good appreciation of space within a song.
“Song to the Sea” is the final track on the EP and an instrumental delivery. It would be wise to question why this track is in evidence on a six track EP. It would make a fine interlude track on an album but seems a little like the dying of the light on an EP. That said, it is in keeping with the rest of the EP – haunting and melodic with a touch of the outside about it.
The Steals next challenge will be attempting to deliver such atmospheres in a live environment with all the difficulties that that can bring. There is no doubt that there are an army of individuals just waiting to purchase such finely crafted atmospheric tunes as these and a bigger army of people who would not be in the slightest bit interested.
So, if you are the kind of soul searching for layered melodies, haunting vocals and ethereal simplicity then buy a copy of Floodlights, turn the lights down low and allow your imagination to drift.
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