It’s been a long time coming but States Of Emotion release their debut album 'Black & White To Gold' next month. To whet the appetite, they have released 'Rag n Bone Men', a free 5 track EP.
Here is our track by track analysis:
I Broke The Mould
This opener is brimming full of confidence and attitude. The strings and crashing drums give this a menacing impetus. The guitar parts and the breakdown towards the end are steeped in desperation and determination for success. There is a trippy element to them akin to Noel Gallagher's 'Stop The Clocks' but with more intensity.
Rag n Bone Men
This is by far the most interesting piece on the EP. It is a real gear change for the band who had been paving their way with indie anthems up until now.
Desolate Drum loops, short blasts of psyche on the guitars and distant vocals move away from their defiant rock n roll towards the sounds of Hurts and Bipolar Sunshine. That fall to floor rock n roll attitude is forever lurking though. Their is a sense that this measured approach could descend into chaos at any moment which, is equally exciting as those all guitar efforts.
Black and White to Gold
What will be the title track of their debut album showcases band leader Olly Hookings' vocal abilities. The emotion he conveys is reminiscent of Sam Duckworth's early Get Cape work. Again though, its more intense than their peers. There is a real sense this is everything to Hookings, that this album has to be a success.
For a band who haven't done anything of note yet, one assumes the budget was minimal. This only makes the use of strings on this track more impressive. They are not here to provide the big single which their career is made off. No, they are haunting and create a mood of uneasiness which is risky for a fledgling band but, the greater the risk the bigger the reward.
The Unsung
Long time fans will know 'The Unsung' well. They self-released it back in 2010 and had long time friend James Buckley in the video.
Despite being an older track, it still resonates. This is the song which defines who States Of Emotion are and what they are about. The euphoric and fist in the air chorus of 'We are the unsung' is soon to lure the big following of The Rifles to their cause on their February support slot tour.
The guitars and the backing vocals are hypnotic from start to finish. We said it back in 2010 and we will repeat it now. This should be a staple of any indie disco. It's a fiery and infectious anthem!
Rag n Bone Men (Draig Cavid Remix)
Last up is a Draig Cavid remix of the title track 'Rag n Bone Men'.