The Escape 'Mad and Blind' EP
Reviewed by Martin Stapleton
These are one of the most criminally underrated young local bands. Thankfully, they have rectified their only real glaring omission and have laid down five tracks for this, The Escape's debut EP, "Mad and blind". The band comprise Edwin Ireland (vocals, guitar), Robert Collins (vocals, guitar) and Matthew Jarman (drums, vocals). They have concocted a sixteen minute pick me up. To put it simply, a perfect slice of summery pop.
A recording studio is kind to their requirements and they have managed to apply some additional arrangements to their normal guitars and drums live sounds. This applies most particularly to "Time of Day", in which their catchy tune benefits enormously from some luscious organ enhancement. "Mad and Blind" excels for me because of these keen young wordsmiths. "Mary" is a cute offering that contains an ending that has caught many people out (me included). These boys have such a devilish sense of humour and a laugh at the same time. An indie pop dreamer may pick "Height", but for me, the always excellent "Crapulence" is a choice tune to close with. I suppose the scuzzy guitar work is the key, but the lyrics bind everything together. The repeated cry says so much, a shout of (all together now) "The world just keeps on spinning"!
Their drive, the guitars and, above all, the classic arrangements are such strong assets for The Escape to hopefully build upon. Their retro sounds are to be applauded, as most young bands continue to follow the same trend. Tunes of a melodic nature do matter!