‘Inhale. Exhale.’ is not only the title of this debut mini-album but also a good reminder of what you need to keep doing as you listen. Thanks to the many dynamic changes, genre shifts and surprises lurking within these seven tracks, Glasgow-based Donnie Willow are so captivating that it’s easy to lose sight of even your most basic functions over the record’s 30 minute duration. Their blend of math and alternative rock fits a wide spectrum from TTNG to Arcane Roots but with a unique style that’s all their own, making this an excellent debut record.
‘Inhale’s’ slow, progressive build promotes a false sense of calm before ‘Jagged Teeth’ explodes into mathy, experimental alt-rock with angular riffs and frantic screams. ‘I Eat Flies’ also erupts with harsh vocals and staggered riffs but just as you sense the emergence of a pattern, it transitions into arguably the most melodic passage of the record, offering yet another surprise. After an intense first wave, ‘Easy Come Easy Go’ flows into a mid-tempo, Arcane Roots-style anthem, with a melody and arrangement impressive enough to match the album’s initial high standards.
‘Fairytale’ introduces a softer, more ambient side, led by the impressive vocals of Arthur Piddington. Reminiscent of TTNG’s ‘13.0.0.0.0’ album, the instrumentals are calm yet technical, but any reduction in musical intensity is more than offset by the emotional kind, as Piddington squeezes every last drop of feeling from the vocal melodies. This change in mood emphasises the depth of Donnie Willow’s songwriting which, as well as helping to make the record compelling to the very end, gives the impression that the band still has a lot more to offer in the future.
‘Inhale. Exhale.’ is an extremely accomplished debut record which, despite being a mini-album, has real longevity thanks to its various layers and emotional cycles. The transition between styles, tempos and moods dissuades any attempt at tying them to a particular sub-genre, encouraging you instead to simply enjoy the band for what they are: energetic, passionate and exciting. This record is a great introduction to a three-piece that keeps you guessing for all the right reasons and whose inventive and unpredictable style becomes more addictive with each listen.
MARK JOHNSON