Galway trio Bowens and The Wood have released their debut EP. The Daily Shift’s Elaine Carroll reviews…
The band’s self-titled EP is out now
Irish alternative/indie rock band Bowens and The Wood have recently released their first self titled EP. Bowens and the Wood is a three-man-rock band with an undeniably addictive sound. Before the formation of the band, leading vocalist and guitarist Rory Bowens performed as a solo artist. Rory played several gigs from Galway to London, supporting bands such as Frightened Rabbit and The Walls. After a while however, Rory realised that he needed some more noise in the background. With Brian Kelly on bass, Rory’s brother Dónal Bowens took the reins on drums, launching the band.
The boys released their debut EP on October 12, which has an incredibly intense, rhythmic, driving and angular, yet contemporary sound. The EP’s three songs ‘Bits and Pieces’, ‘John’ and ‘Truth is…’ were all written by Rory except for ‘Truth is…’ which was co-written by Rosa Nutty, who also lends her vocals to the track.
As soon as the first notes begin on the EP’s opening track ‘Bits and Pieces’, there’s almost a certainty that some part of your body will start moving. Whether it be a sly foot tap or some bizarre head bobbing, you’re going to find yourself being carried away with the rhythm of this incredibly catchy song. Also, if you’ve bumped into that ex of yours recently, then you’ll definitely relate to this track! The song’s distinctively quirky and alternative style captures the essence of the band perfectly.
That quirky essence is carried through into the second track of the EP ‘John’. It’s simply impossible to listen to this song without getting it stuck in your head! It’s fast, energetic and is played with a punk attitude that really brings Bowens and The Wood to life. Its freshness of sound and absence of musical clichés makes it ace.
The final track ‘Truth is…’ is probably the most memorable track on the EP because of its distinctive melancholic sound and slow melody that contrasts greatly with the two previous tracks. ‘Truth is…’ is artful in its simplicity and, if one is in the right mood, vividly evocative. Rory Bowens delivers a characteristically raw vocal performance without sounding sappy or indulgent. The unfussy melody is bolstered by gentle strings and beautiful harmonies. Bowen’s vocals are perfectly complemented by singer Rosa Nutty, whose arrestingly haunting and mesmerising voice is put to excellent use in this song, making it a stand-alone track on the EP.
Bowens and the Wood have a hugely promising future which is perfectly exemplified in this EP.
The EP is now available to download or free on Bandcamp. Also for details on the band’s upcoming gigs and new releases, make sure you follow them on Twitter and like them on Facebook.
