Standing out amidst a flurry of indie-rock debuts comes Simple Stories’ oh-so-simple EP. Dare we mention the name? The alternative four-piece, who refuse to be boxed within the confines of a genre, are a blend of acoustic R&B with just a hint of gospel-reggae stylings. Having been hosted on a number of festival line-ups throughout the country of late, it seems as good a time as any for them to drop their offering, “Simplify”.
Easing one into just what this foursome have to offer is a minute long a cappella opening track. ‘For the Rest of My Life’ carefully conjuncts their voices in an expert harmony, forming a unique springboard off which the rest of the EP prepares to dive. ‘Doing Me’ launches straight off with a curiously light Calypso melody. Chiming acoustics pair with tambourine and a keyboard baseline to create a cutesy ode to one’s day-to-day life. Occasional bursts of a cappella slip in and out of the background, while narrative lyrics keep to their simplistic, foundational roots.
Soporific rain pattering on windowsills opens ‘Room 42’, while silvery synths and lethargic acoustic progressions pave the way for the syrupy sweet love ballad. Expertly produced and quietly convincing, the heady drum work and distinctive rhythm picks up the pace part way through the track, providing a firm backbone for the slightly gospel-esque song.
The EP remains primarily vocal centric which, while a cappella moments shift in and out of focus, tend to bounce between the four vocalists individually. This being perhaps what forms their distinct edge which separates them from the vast majority – although their wealth of love songs leaves you rather sceptical. ‘Did You Know’ pairs strangely off kilter acoustics with rolling synth undertones, creating an awkwardly satisfying diversion from their silky romantic trimmings – while ‘Light of My Life’ sounds a tad too familiar, ringing true of the acoustic meanderings Ed Sheeran is so prone to. Crooning and lightly layered, the track concludes with a tribute to their ever-present simplify-your-life ethos.
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Listen to “Simplify” below on Deezer.
