Lightscape: Circles

by Robin Ervolina
Sometimes the music you listen to influences the way you hear another band. You find yourself drawn to similar genres, or vocalists, or riffs and moods that invoke a sense of comfort, your musical home if you will. Other times you are drawn in by something that captivates on its own accord. Such is the case with Lightscape's new EP Circles, due for release tomorrow (12/1/17). This alt rock quintet from the UK have amassed a local following and positioned themselves to sail their music across the pond, having recently shared the stage with US headliners Black Stone Cherry on their European tour. The music Lightscape creates is personal and instantly relatable.
"By Design" leads off the EP and its intro beats move me closer. Will Overton's vocals draw me in, the melody hooks me, and I get a sense the lyrics 'get me' intimately.

Once you put out the fire, but now you fan the flames
And as you search through the ashes, a heart remains
A heart that's clouded your judgment, fighting with all of the warning signs

It seems to me on first listen that the gist of Lightscape is in spitting out stories woven into addictive melodies, delivering them with clear and appealing vocal tones. In fact, vocals like this could be the center piece of a review. Overton holds out notes in a way that draws something out of me, making room to assimilate the intent into my own emotional landscape.

Second song "Circles" has a techno intro, reminiscent of Enter Shikari. I'm getting this 80s alternative vibe slipping in and out of my consciousness as well. It's another yearn-inducing tune with an easy hook and that voice that's bigger than life. In the history of rock there have been some solid vocalists that stood strong decade after decade. Overton could stand with the best of them. "Circles" is a sing along song for certain.
Third song "More to Life" delivers on that British influence from bands like ES and even Mike + The Mechanics. The composition and structure of these songs are so tight; the musicianship is solid, and once again Overton blows me away. He could sing the phone book and I'd buy into it. "Press Rewind" follows, and based on the title I know this one will hurt. It crawls in with a gentle intro creating feelings of regret. The melody haunts me, pulling memories forth that were best left dead.

And when I look at your face
I learn a lesson that I don't want to
I think you need an escape
I hope it's not too late

Sometimes remorse is personal. If I could sing a love song to the parts of me that I've let down, "Press Rewind" would be it. There is no respite from the emotional throttle as the next track "Haven't Got The Time" feels like falling off a cliff. Circles closes with "Live in Fear" an anthemic tune about pulling yourself together with lyrics that fly like weapons of self-defense.

Lightscape self-releases Circles in less than 24 hours, and I urge you to pick up a copy and support these up and comers. I don't know about in the UK, but this is a rock sound that has been missing from America for a long time. Follow Lightscape on Facebook as well so you don't miss out on future live performances!