Title: Epilogue
Format Reviewed: MP3
Format Released: 13th November 2015
Reviewed By: Lee Morton
Hailing from Nuneaton but with a sound straight out of middle America, Never Hill have just re-released their debut EP, Epilogue with the addition of alternate versions of a couple of the tracks. This is an EP by a band who are not ashamed of aiming high: everything about the record, from the quality of the lyrics, the production and execution call for a stadium tour and radio play. However, for me there's something missing. I can't quite put my finger on it but in an over-crowded field they really needed an angle to stand out from all the other bands and I just don't see it.
Take the opening track, Forgive Me, as a prime example of their ambitions. This is polished, stadium rock at its best. Gentle melodic breakdowns filled with "woah-woahs", designed for massive sing-alongs and lighters being held in the air (or smartphones in today's age). The musicianship is of the highest quality but the real star is singer Adam Ross' vocals, balancing both power and subtlety.
Second track Fire opens with just Ross' vocals over an acoustic guitar but quickly drops in some riffs, but still plays it a little too safe for my tastes. This track is also given the alternate treatment as one of the two bonus songs at the end and is stripped right back with the riffs swapped for softer, acoustic strokes which make the vocals seem even stronger.
Starting Line, featuring Eleni Drake, also gets the alternate mix. The original version is pure high production pop-rock. Perhaps it's the addition of Drake on vocals but it reminds me of Paramore, with her silkier vocals complimenting the rougher edge to the guitars. The second version of this song is another acoustic number but without Eleni's vocal, which does dampen its impact.
The piano led ballad Colours follows but its gentle melody evokes images of The Script, which is never a good thing. Fortunately it doesn't hang around and dives in to Stay Away where it feels like the band finally let loose, with heavier riffs and a bouncy bassline. Grittier and more urgent this, for me, is what more of the EP should have sounded like.
Final track Afraid Of The Dark, which features Jack Voss, is another up-tempo number. The whispered backing vocal of "I promise I'll be safe" works really well and is sure to be screamed back at them at future gigs.
A solid if not spectacular debut that hints at better things to come and I'm sure they'll do well, I'm just not sure I'll be along for this ride.
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