The Stopmotion Men - WHAT NOW? EP (Rogues Gallery Records)Despite the increasing challenges and barriers in the music industry, there continues to be a healthy abundance of new bands emerging in the UK, with an increasing number coming out of Wales. Such a plethora of material to wade through can often be a tedious exercise for any erstwhile reviewer and, it has to be said, there has been a distinct rationing of originality amongst the new fold. Leaning towards conformity by aping Arctic Monkeys (sorry) or throwing themselves into the swelling piss-tainted sea of electro pop! So to suddenly find a band that doesn’t look to ensure they’re encased in some vogue division in order to gain attention is, quite frankly, rather refreshing!

The Stopmotion Men are a Cardiff based trio who make a sound that is very dated, very American and well, very good indeed. They site Pearl Jam as an influence and this is evident on the three songs that make up the EP, particularly within Geraint Connors’ vocal style.

Title track “What Now?” is the most commercial of the three, with a strong driving rhythm section and searing guitars carrying impassioned intonings on a rollercoaster of a song. “Spit And Chew” continues the zealous plea and is possibly the strongest song lyrically here; “if you can’t compete, we consume as meat, so let us spit and chew; oceans they cannot see, when people are drowning”. Then there’s “Hurt You”, a painful ballad that is imposingly beautiful and illustrates the depth and maturity of Connor’s vocals. It’s a well-structured song using keyboard orchestration as a backcloth and not only oozes commitment but also illustrates a band that can clearly write and perform.

There is solid indication on the EP that the band are capable of producing some awe inspiring music, without being suckered into the fodder bucket; indeed because of their ability to perform music that is both distinct and uncompromised. There is room on the scene for such an outfit and we should eagerly anticipate a full length offering from the Welsh hopes before we are forced to drown in that swelling sea!
Released 19th February 2010

4/5

www.myspace.com/stopmotionmen

TC