EP Review: Acoustic Variations – Joe Symes and the Loving Kind
Reblogged from Soundwaves Review: Featuring all the best music floating on the airwaves!
Joe Symes and the Loving Kind released their self-titled debut album in 2013. It’s a wonderfully eclectic mix of songs.
Track listing:
- I’m Gonna Find Out Some Day
- Fine Line
- You’re Not Coming Back Tomorrow
- No Turning Back
You might recognise a couple of those song titles if you are familiar with the band’s music. As the title suggests, this new EP contains acoustic versions of the songs.
EP Review:
Joe Symes has one of those voices that was just made for singing; it’s smooth and has a distinctive tone. His vocals effortlessly enhance the songs. The first track, “I’m Gonna Find Out Some Day”, was originally featured as a b-side to the single “Things Get Better”. This new acoustic version is a rhythmic and upbeat tune that will get your toes tapping. The second song, “Fine Line”, appeared on the band’s debut album. The acoustic version is a great stripped-back variation. Like the first song, it has an upbeat tempo and engages the listener with its thought-provoking lyrics. The excellent “You’re Not Coming Back Tomorrow”, is the slowest song on the EP: the lyrics are melancholic, and the way the song ends quite abruptly with the words, ‘you’re not coming back tomorrow’, gives it quite a dramatic and poignant feel. “No Turning Back”, is a nice ending to the EP; quite an introspective song that has a steady rhythm, and lyrics that tell a story. Throughout the EP the band have used many interesting percussion instruments, adding an extra depth to the acoustic versions. It’s an accomplished collection of songs from this talented band. “Acoustic Variations” has a chilled-out sound and is perfect for relaxing to. Look out for it when it goes on sale on the 20th of January. You can listen to a sampler of the EP on their website.