Exeter-based alt-rock quintet Witterquick make an assured start with ‘Beneath the Spinning Lights’, a five-track collection of powerful choruses, catchy melodies and well crafted songs. For a debut EP it’s impressively refined, showcasing a sound that’s already accomplished enough to slot alongside similar alt-rock heavyweights Young Guns and Lower Than Atlantis.
‘Soldiers’ opens the record with a hard-hitting, alt-rock anthem that packs a huge chorus, upbeat rhythms and a stadium-rock guitar solo. The guitars are crisp and clean with a tone that complements the uplifting vocals of Will Alford. Throughout the EP Alford’s voice both soothes and inspires, his fantastic tone helped by consistently well-crafted melodies. ‘The Road’ is more sedate, dialling back on the pop hooks in favour of a rich, emotional ambience. Its clever melodic structure and calm vocals provides an atmosphere that’s touching and compelling, helping it to stand out as one of the EP’s highlights.
Acoustic song ‘Wayward Sign’ emphasises the quality of Alford’s voice as well as demonstrating the band’s songwriting diversity, before ‘Rise’ brings the EP full circle with another powerful anthem and massive chorus. Variation is a key theme, with each track feeling distinctly different to the next, and no matter what direction Witterquick take on this record, the songs are of a consistently high standard. The band’s decision to work with Romesh Dodangoda has paid dividends, the production sounding crisp and warm, which helps unite each song under a consistent tone, complimenting the record perfectly.
This is an impressive debut EP and sets the band up well for a promising future. Continuing to display a range of tempos and songwriting methods will be a great advantage in giving a full-length record longevity and ‘Beneath the Spinning Lights’ is a perfect indication that Witterquick have the qualities to do just that.
MARK JOHNSON