EP REVIEW: Jamais Vu – Branch To Root

The UK alternative scene has notoriously been a hotbed for up and coming bands looking to break through into the mainstream. Liverpudlian outfit BRANCH TO ROOT are hoping to capitalise on this and snag their own share of the spotlight with newly released EP Jamais Vu which is available now via Wreck And Ruin Records. Will this release give them the boost they need to take the next step?

Gold opens with a lively, upbeat vibe provided by punchy guitar hooks and a snappy drum beat. The vocals possess a calm, melodic nature, peacefully slotting into the building melodies. This tracks accessible, catchy demeanour gently eases you in and neatly tees up its successor. Brave utilises layered guitar work in the initial stages and lures you in with its enticing groove. Prominent drumming forms a sturdy foundation to let the other instrumentation work its magic.

Last Miles takes a grungier path with a restrained pacing to emphasise the dramatic tone. The lyrical content is particularly emotive and evocative, instantly feeling like the band are drawing from personal experience for inspiration and this helps elevate the importance of the sentiment which lays underneath. Losing Sleep follows suit with a sombre vibe in the air, ensuring you are engaged with every word. The instrumentation feels polished and clean, allowing you to feel the emotion that is being poured into the track alongside the layered vocal work.

The tracks which comprise Jamais Vu are pretty straightforward in construction but they work effectively and serve their purpose, allowing the focus to be on the narrative that the vocal work is providing. This kind of thought process shows a certain level of maturity and that BRANCH TO ROOT understand their intended target audience and you would not be entirely surprised to hear these songs playing away on the radio during your everyday commute. If they continue like this there is no reason why they couldn’t acquire some high profile support slots in the not so distant future which would certainly open up their opportunities and potential for wider audiences.

Rating: 7/10

Jamais Vu is out now via Wreck And Ruin Records.

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