EP review ~ echo raptors ~ "she's so free"

EP Review
Echo Raptors
She's So Free

Having been born at the start of 1995 I remember very little, if anything, of the 1990's. Yet for as long as I can remember I have looked upon this period in time with a certain halcyon quality, were life was simpler and music really meant something. Upon hearing the sound of Belfast 4-piece "Echo Raptors" you'll soon understand why I feel transported back to that period every time I listen to one of their tunes. When I first heard the name "Echo Raptors" I was immediately intrigued, it seemed something distinctly unique, without being pretentious, something interesting, without the complexity and above all else, it sounded awesome. I then heard their first single, "Plastic People" and couldn't help but announce my new found love of the Raptors. I was hooked. This was special and for the first time since I heard Oasis live at the age of 12 years old, I remembered why I fell in love with music. I couldn't help but review their latest EP, "She's So Free".

The first track, “Change My Way” opens with a beautifully melodic guitar riff, before bursting to life in a cacophony of crashing chords. What hits you straight away is the Raptors seemingly effortless melody which leaves you with a feeling of hope. You may not be able to explain why, or even what that hope is for, but the result is the same and man does it feel good! Front man Phillip Rainey’s vocal delivery has a pristine and yet powerful effect, like an Urban Hymns era Richard Ashcroft. Perhaps it’s a bit early for such wild day dreams, but when the chorus kicks into top gear it’s easy to imagine a hundred thousand strong Glastonbury Crowd singing along to every word in the summer sunshine.

“Nothing Lasts Forever” shows the bands more emotional side, with striking and potent lyrics such as “Turn the page, turn it over and feel the weight of your own words” showing that when they want to be, the Echo Raptors can get deep too. The song fades out with an almost Manic Street Preachers quality. There was also the feeling that had The Beatles wrote tunes like, “I’ll Follow the Sun” today, it may have sounded a bit like this. Melodic and gentle, “Nothing Lasts Forever” is a beautiful way to break up the EP.

The EP ends with the title track, “She’s So Free”, this time showing off the groups rockier edge, with a real statement of intent. This track edges away from the groups 90’s roots and instead transcends to a 60’s psychedelic level. The soloing from lead guitarist Vince Caddell containing hints of George Harrison in his Beatles hay-day, while maintaining a unique tone that really captures the belief and passion of the Belfast rockers. Ending with some fade-out feedback and chants of “She’s So Free”, that leaves a lasting impression of excitement and optimism.

The Echo Raptors have created another work of Brilliance with “She’s So Free”. A swirling concoction of raw guitars, effortless vocal melodies and pure nostalgia. The Echo Raptors have the ability to make you start believing in Rock ‘n’ Roll again. All you have to do is let them.

If you like…: Oasis, The Verve, The Beatles, The Manic Street Preachers…

You’ll love Echo Raptors.

Review by Taylor Johnson.

Listen to the EP here: https://soundcloud.com/echoraptors
Buy the EP from i-Tunes here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/shes-so-free-single/id627504666
Follow the band on Twitter: @Echo_Raptors
Check 'em out on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/theechoraptors