EP REVIEW: Nothing For A Man – Spoils
After the release of their debut EP Find Later last year, Cincinnati indie band SPOILS return with Nothing For A Man. The band are a part of the thriving indie rock scene that pulls heavy inspiration from the 1990s, and the results are songs that are perfect for a hot summer’s day as you relax with friends, go for picnics, or just need something that will cheer you up. SPOILS are one of those rare few bands that have a fully realised vision, and it is clearer than ever on Nothing For A Man.
The introduction song is a slow and haunting one comprising synths and violins. It’s eerie but intriguing as you wonder what it is going to lead into. The answer is David, which is a slow-paced song. Full of sparse instruments, bar a guitar riff and a single drum beat, the vocals are the focal point, which works well as these are so ethereal it would almost be blasphemous to have anything divert the listener’s attention away from them.
One of the best things about this EP is how much it builds upon the introduction song. There are some synths that are used in Figure It Out, and there are some eerie instruments used in Riverbed (Redux), such as an acoustic guitar. This not only makes sure that the EP has continuity, but also that the songs have a structure. Each song is individualistic, and each has its own time to shine.
For example, the aforementioned Riverbed (Redux) tells a story, whereas the closing song, Come Closer, is an upbeat number with whimsical lyrics. Even this faster paced number does not sound out of place on the EP, and it feels like a natural conclusion to what the previous songs have been building up to.
The only slight issue one might find with this EP is that the introduction song could have been a bit more exciting. It is a gorgeous piece of music, but to be really harsh it does get a little tedious towards the end as it is a bit repetitive. That said, it makes a lot more sense when listening to it within the context of the entire EP.
Overall, SPOILS have smashed it out the park with Nothing For A Man. The band have crafted an excellent EP that is well-produced. Each song builds upon the other, whilst also maintaining its own unique identity. There are layers to each song to be discovered every time you listen to it, and ultimately it is an ode, not only to summer nights, but to the wonders of music itself.
Rating: 9/10
Nothing For A Man is out now via Happy Families.
Follow SPOILS on Instagram.