EDINBURGH BAND WAVERLEY OFFER "SOMETHING FOR EVERYBODY" WITH DEBUT EP |

IT MAKES AN EMPTINESS OF A CROWDED PLACE | BY MORGAN HERMISTON

Edinburgh five-piece waverley boast their diverse talents within their debut EP It Makes An Emptiness Of A Crowded Place.

Using this body of work as a showcase for their various musical talents, friends and bandmates Ewan, Donnie, Leo, Rory and Jake prove just how impressive local bands can be. Within each of the 6 tracks, the quintet collate the concepts of emotional exploration, home and love. Described as a “deliberate artistic statement”, their songs are very well thought out and display a mature outlook on life.

One of the most streamed songs of the band’s discography is the second track on this EP and the first single from it. Rest And Be Thankful is a tune that fuses together a rock foundation with a folky and nostalgic Scottish twist. It surrounds the idea of stopping and appreciating what we have, even for a moment. It gives off a sound resembling Twin Atlantic and bands alike, especially with memorable and thought-out lyrics like “ramped up the mental blitzkrieg”.

Making them stand out among other modern acts are two longer than average tracks: Not Hoping and Lowry Scene. At just over 5 minutes, Not Hoping is another single from the EP. It incorporates powerful, raw vocals with an upbeat and catchy melody. Like with all of their tunes, the lyrical foundation of this track is significant. With relatable lines like “I’m so tired, all I’ve done is sleep” and “I’m not hoping”, many listeners will be able to see themselves in this track. However the title of the EP also features in Not Hoping. The line “it makes an emptiness of a crowded place” is a beautifully worded way to describe a variety of emotions including feelings of empty or loneliness while with friends or family. I really love the way this has been worded and I’m sure it will speak to, and resonate with so many people.

The latter of the longer tracks, Lowry Scene, also makes up one of three slower songs too. Where the opening songs Townside and Rest and Be Thankful have upbeat, uplifting melodies, Lowry Scene, Open Bar, and Plasters Stuck With Glue all explore a more ballad feel. Lowry Scene starts off as a ballad but throughout its nearly 7 minute duration, it gradually speeds up. This steady acceleration in tempo is also met with more powerful vocals. The beautiful and relaxing melody is accompanied by equally mesmerising lyrics. With lines including “trainline squeaks, it’s been days and weeks since I left what I call home” painting vibrant visions, it’s difficult not to return to hear more of waverley’s wonderful words.

Lyricism is something that waverley use to their utmost advantage throughout this EP. They use these words very cleverly and crystal clear vocals in tracks like ‘Townside’ push them further to the forefront of each song. In the final track ‘Plasters Stuck With Glue’, repetition and echoes of the lyric “but it’s all good now” provide a mantra feel. ‘Open Bar’ features lyrics that paint an image of a scenario including “walking back over open scars” and “it’s your smile that I’m lost in”.

In a musical environment where a lot of music is beginning to sound similar, waverley have created a collection of songs that have allowed them to experiment with their vast range of individual musical talents. This has resulted in them being able to collate a group of unique and intriguing songs. Where some artists and bands tend to stick to one familiar sound or theme, waverley have proven that a mixture of tempos, themes and moods can create a successfully eclectic array of work. There is a song for everyone in this EP regardless of your musical tastes or preferences.

Listen to It Makes An Emptiness Of A Crowded Place NOW or Buy on Vinyl/CD via BLACKHALL RECORDS

BY MORGAN HERMISTON