Darren McLeod
03/19/06, 04:25 PM
Stowaway - Stowaway EP
Release Date: January 31, 2006
Record Label: Unsigned.
There are two main branches of what is considered the third-wave emo sound right now: those that shoot for a catchy and melodic vibe, and those that seem to often rely on feigned aggression. Thankfully, Kamloops, BC's Stowaway falls into the former category, blending smooth vocals and bouncy melodies with some slick production from Travis Saunders (Stutterfly, thebleedingalarm).
The six-song EP opens with "The Accident," a moody piece that is perfectly designed to introduce their sound: it's an extremely catchy track that features great vocal harmonies on behalf of the brothers Marsh. Lead singer Josh Marsh has a good set of pipes, easily switching from softer sections into strong, passionate choruses.
As the EP continues, the songs follow a similar pattern -- they are primarily chorus-driven songs with catchy riffs and singalong vocals. The fourth track, "Multiple Choice," will drive its chorus into your skull and take hold of your brain for a few days, especially as they pull out a patented move of emphasis: stopping the instruments while continuing to sing.
There are, however, several problems that subtract from the overall enjoyment of the disc. The first is the fact that even though their music better than most other bands within the genre, they do little to differentiate themselves. What you'll hear on this EP, you've already heard before in other forms, just not in this tight and catchy a product. Another problem is the poorly written lyrics that plague certain songs, most notably "Shot In The Dark." Usually, the lyrics are fine, but the few times that they weaken, they are noticeably bad, and it detracts from the listening experience. Also, the final song, "Into The Hornet's Nest," features a bizarre and out-of-place section of screaming, the only appearance of this tired trend on the EP. However, Stowaway manage to redeem themselves by contrasting that with an extremely melodious rendition of the chorus. Outside of these three points, the EP succeeds in what it attempts to do: provide an entertaining 17 minutes of rock, full of more than enough catchy hooks and huge choruses to satisfy the listener.
Vendetta Red, Story of the Year, etc.
Band Website: http://www.stowaway.ca
Band MP3s: http://www.myspace.com/stowawayrock
Release Date: January 31, 2006
Record Label: Unsigned.
There are two main branches of what is considered the third-wave emo sound right now: those that shoot for a catchy and melodic vibe, and those that seem to often rely on feigned aggression. Thankfully, Kamloops, BC's Stowaway falls into the former category, blending smooth vocals and bouncy melodies with some slick production from Travis Saunders (Stutterfly, thebleedingalarm).
The six-song EP opens with "The Accident," a moody piece that is perfectly designed to introduce their sound: it's an extremely catchy track that features great vocal harmonies on behalf of the brothers Marsh. Lead singer Josh Marsh has a good set of pipes, easily switching from softer sections into strong, passionate choruses.
As the EP continues, the songs follow a similar pattern -- they are primarily chorus-driven songs with catchy riffs and singalong vocals. The fourth track, "Multiple Choice," will drive its chorus into your skull and take hold of your brain for a few days, especially as they pull out a patented move of emphasis: stopping the instruments while continuing to sing.
There are, however, several problems that subtract from the overall enjoyment of the disc. The first is the fact that even though their music better than most other bands within the genre, they do little to differentiate themselves. What you'll hear on this EP, you've already heard before in other forms, just not in this tight and catchy a product. Another problem is the poorly written lyrics that plague certain songs, most notably "Shot In The Dark." Usually, the lyrics are fine, but the few times that they weaken, they are noticeably bad, and it detracts from the listening experience. Also, the final song, "Into The Hornet's Nest," features a bizarre and out-of-place section of screaming, the only appearance of this tired trend on the EP. However, Stowaway manage to redeem themselves by contrasting that with an extremely melodious rendition of the chorus. Outside of these three points, the EP succeeds in what it attempts to do: provide an entertaining 17 minutes of rock, full of more than enough catchy hooks and huge choruses to satisfy the listener.
Vendetta Red, Story of the Year, etc.
Band Website: http://www.stowaway.ca
Band MP3s: http://www.myspace.com/stowawayrock