It’s always a great pleasure to stumble upon new music that’s refreshingly creative. W.E.B seem to have mastered the art of appealing for that very quality, as the opening track Alice from their new EP Better Now Than Never proves immediately intriguing.
From the offset we get these interwoven vocal layers, creating an organic, almost Queen-like arena of sound and melody, but with a Cry Me A River-esque satisfying riff to it. Then things quickly change direction, as the beat comes in, and a chorus of voices unite to deliver short, provocative lines.
Soon we get this instrumental breakaway, a sci-fi-kissed moment of distorted synth-play. Still the groove of the song holds tight to the listener, and the second verse proves all the more interesting, and quite addictive rhythmically.
Finally there’s the rise to the hook, a more mellow, drawn-out vocal-line pulls you in even closer.
Due to the electronica sound, the effects used, the vocals are sometimes hard to make out, but what you do pick up undoubtedly invites you in for a better listen.
The band’s name, W.E.B, from We’ve Evolved Beyond, seems to fairly encapsulate their approach to music. The concepts and the genre-blending showcase a certain air of freedom and forward thinking.
Coming Home reinforces this artistic angle, with a warm bass-line, a single and lower-toned vocal, and a more intimate, personal call-out to a significant other. The song grows brighter and brighter, eventually becoming this classic dance-pop anthem that celebrates reunion and oneness.
By the time Under The Gun kicks into gear, the sound design is fairly familiar – as is the songwriting. Eclecticism stands tall, without a doubt, but there are certain traits you come to recognise as W.E.B.
This song seems a little more multi-layered and other-worldly than what came before. It’s ambient yet intense, and the vocals take something of a backseat as the soundscape itself rains down around you. Cutting lyrics lay bare a personal struggle to connect and ultimately overcome a difficult time.
Audio experimentation returns for the closing track Queen Of Japan. Fragments of sound emerge, clicks and hits of light rhythm, alongside an Oriental sitar-style riff, and a surprinsgly smooth, calm vocal line, which proceeds to reflect upon its own good fortune.
Without a doubt, an act who refuse to adhere to any industry expectations, or the confines of genre. W.E.B craft songs directly from the feelings associated with the topic, so the sounds and the performances in every case reflect the underlying concept in natural and artistic ways. This EP makes for a fine introduction to their work.
Find & follow W.E.B on Facebook or visit their Website.
