Album Review
sophomore – The Blue EP
Sophomore, the little known side project by the arguably little known Decade frontman Alex Sears, certainly markets itself as an alt-rock/emo creation. Vocally Sears emits the higher pitch and elongated tones that have over time become synonymous with melodic rock – these vocals forming the centrepiece of The Blue EP. However bleak, grungy or at times stereotypical the supporting instrumentation becomes the EP never loses the vocal prominence that Sears is unquestionably looking for.
To label The Blue EP as a purely alt-rock singer-songwriter endeavour would however be misleading. Although the creation entirely of Sears’ design, the vocal harmonies and complete backline ensure the record is all-but minimal. Instead the sound is suitably melodramatic and vast, particularly the jumpy ‘House Spider’ which fits within the emo moniker more elegantly. Where the pace quickens such as on opener ‘Young Adult’ or ‘Caged’ the underlying music gives way to hints of grunge, but not enough to rival the genuine emo bands of the late 90s.
The Blue EP finds itself in the middle of a traditionalist melodic rock triangle – at its extremes pushing on the mainstream sensibilities of modern pop-punk bands, the darker rock of the turn of the century, and a grungier outlook which inspired the pioneers of the genre. Sears’ vocals help to elevate the EP above the norm, yet the record truly breaks through when the tempo is reduced and the grunge weighs in. Outside of this it is an engaging and well-crafted listen, but somewhat safe in its execution.
Venue: The Blue EP
Support Band: Self Release