#234: The Bedroom Hour - Themes (EP review)

The Bedroom Hour

Themes

May 17, 2014 (self-release)

8/10

So often these days, when a band finds itself surrounded by a buzz, they rush to release their first EP, or even album, eager to appease hungry press and even hungrier record labels. There are those bands, however, that rather than bay to the obvious pressures they're under, choose not to rush out their material in hopes of being the 'Next Big Thing', but rather wait, hone their trade, cut their teeth, however you want to phrase it, and the fact of the matter is that most bands benefit from their patience far more than those who would rather ride the hype train.

One such band, it seems, are London-based five-piece The Bedroom Hour who, despite having been a band for quite some time now, are set to release their debut EP Themes, on May 17th. Having been following this band for around a year now it's clear that, as the buzz around them has grown, their ambitions and their energy have grown with it. With a steady stream of tracks making their way on to the band's social media pages, each track feeling more accomplished than the last, it was only a matter of time before the inevitable first EP; and it's an EP that sets the bar inordinately high.

Beginning with 'Shadow Boxer', it's clear that the time that the band has spent honing their skills hasn't been in vain. Huge U2-inspired verses suggests an overt penchant for anthemics, whilst an understated bass suggests a firm understanding of spacial awareness within their music that belies the band's relatively young age.

Coming during the latter half of the record, 'Midnight Game' is a particular highlight, and one which brings to mind current Manchester buzz band MONEY. Slow and impactive, and packing far more candour than your average indie band is capable of, 'Midnight Game' once again suggests a maturity within the band, something which is further cemented by closing track 'Slow Motion Cinema' and the almost-tangible emotion that goes with it.

It's rare for a band such as The Bedroom Hour to exhibit the kind of musical maturity that they do, but their savviness towards the industry, and their almost endless supply of patience has enabled them to create one of the strongest début releases I've ever heard. From the rousing vocal harmonies to the elegant guitar work, nothing featured on Themes seems out of place or forced, and it's this kind of release that will surely get those who have had their head buried in the sand for the last 12 months, well and truly excited.

This review was written originally for Listen Up Manchester. Click here to check out their site.