EP Review
Sophomore - TellerSophomore - Teller

Whilst most of us wake early in the morning to drive to our 9 to 5 jobs and get an early night in preparation for a repeat performance the next day, some people live very different lives. In the confined space of a bedroom, Alex Sears spends his time when not on tour, tirelessly writing new material for the new Decade album. After the success of their recent self titled release, he has his work cut out to produce something that be held up to the same standard.

In a recent interview with William Francis (William Control, Aiden), Wiliam discussed his work flow from year to year. He explained to keep himself fresh and interested in the music be creates, he switches between his two musical outlets. It seems that Mr. Sears must have been having the same brain wave, as for the past week he has taken a break from writing new material for Decade.

In just 5 days, Alex has conceived a new solo project named 'Sophomore', and written, recorded, mixed and mastered a 3 track EP entitled 'Teller'. Released on Sunday at 7pm via band camp for free download, this EP demonstrates some of the hidden musical desired in the young and talented musician. Sadly even before pressing play on this unexpected release, fans, family and friends are informed by a small note that this will likely be the only release from Sophomore due to Alex's commitments to Decade.

This news is even more devastating as the mouse hits play. As the title track 'Teller' begins to play we are introduced to a sound that fills the room, and a snare that kicks you in the face. I am baffled at how this has been produced in a bedroom as it sounds like weeks worth of recording in a high end professional studio. The accidents on the drums throw you slightly off beat as they accompany full rhythm guitars and solo lines. As the track breaks into a steadier beat, we are introduced to a vocal that is recognisable as the Alex Sears we know from Decade, but with a very different sound. Gone are the breathy endings to lines and we are now introduced to a double vocal harmonizing with each other. The opening riff is introduced and is now shown to be the chorus with what can only be described as an epic vocal line and intricate harmonies. The sound is so full, and immediately i am closing my eyes to imagine this being performed in front of me. The track continues on and never quite lets you settle into knowing what is coming next, as it throws a slightly more upbeat pre chorus before the final chorus.

The second track 'Count Yourself' adds a more upbeat feel to the EP. Each time i listen i focus on different elements of the track and i find myself thinking back to tracks from older albums of bands like 'The Used' and Funeral For A Friend'. The guitar sounds can't help but bring your mind to 'Kids in Glass Houses' but overall the influence of 'Hundred Reasons' is clear. The strong vocal harmonies and trick timings (especially at the end of the chorus) start to embed as a trade mark feature of this solo project.

The final track 'Park Street' was released via Youtube a day before the EP release as a teaser. My personal favorite of this mini EP, the sheer emotion that is put into the track and the 'Two Tongues' style double vocal simply blew my mind on first listen. The odd drum timing is impressive to be included on an album with no real drumming, and it helps secure the illusion that a full band was involved in the writing of these songs. The inclusion of a simple guitar solo is another non standard edition and the short track lengths keep me begging for more.

My only negative from this EP is how empty i feel at the as the final track ends. I am drained of emotion from becoming so attached to the songs and i am heartbroken to know that this was just an experiment. I long for this to be a band so i can see these tracks performed live, and for more material to be produced in the future.

The talent and musical genius that is beginning to grow growing at a rapid pace inside the head of Mr. Sears. As sad as the news is to fans of Sophomore, this is an exciting insight into the ideas that Alex has to bring to the table for future Decade releases.

The EP is free to download but has a donate button. The Sophomore Facebook page posted an update that said that people have been showing their appreciation and gratitude by donating money when downloading. I think this action speaks louder than any words i can say about the quality of these three short tracks. Its going to take me a while to get over this experience, as this EP has become the most listened to Album on my iTunes library and it has only been released a day as of writing this. Either my laptop is due to burn out from over use, or i am due to die from insomnia.

Simply Epic.

5/5

Review by Neil Oliver
 Band Members
Sophomore - Band
Alex Sears
 Track Listing
1. Teller
2. Count Yourself
3. Park Street
 Band Related Links
Band Camp Website
 Review Score Code
- Top Cheese
- Brilliant
- Pretty damn good
- Ok I guess
- What Was That?