A collection of mini epics make up this debut EP release by Cardiff’s movie inspired three piece, The Stopmotion Men. With nods to Pearl Jam, Cold War Kids, Muse, Bush and early Radiohead. Strong narrative, story led songs with some unique twists and sonic tidal waves, they’re a band worthy of some undivided meditation.

Opener ‘Attention’ is a high speed, chord stabbing, car chase through darkened streets to a final showdown. Foot to the floor until the collision pulls it back to rebuild the anticipation. A burst of adrenaline that awakens you from the very beginning. High on action and drama from the outset, sets the bar high for the next instalments.

‘Fake Your Death’ is a disturbingly dark, brooding cry for help; it’s symphonic piano line bridging the chasms between the delicate and intense verses and gigantic choruses. Led by Connors’ Rossdale / Bellamy resembling, roller coaster vocal performance, it has an ambitious progressiveness that Muse would be proud of.

‘What Now’ uses the piano to create a fascinating bass line that spirals like a giant prog helter-skelter. Highly ambitious, and feeling like several songs in one. An immense wall of sound cascading and ascending, and full of emotion. Dark, dense guitar creates the darkness and despair and piano fights back with optimism and light. Colossal.

‘It’s All Gonna Catch Up With You’ has an almost operatic quality. Distressed and atmospheric, unpredictable and cryptic. The piano sound is strangely unnerving when combined with the eerie but quirky backing vocals that sound like the backdrop to a Tim Burton film. A conscience tugging account of consequences and wrong decisions “answer the questions, you know they’ll last. If you’ve got any guilt work off that – torture your lover, make them wonder” .

A band marked by intelligence, creativity, artistry and vision. Gormandising for the senses, dramatic soundtracks to the movies of your life. A white knuckle, mentally visual experience that’s Inspiring and stimulating.

By Martin Kendrick

Label: Unsigned