Album & EP Reviews

Standing Like Statues – Reality Checkpoint EP

Standing Like Statues – Reality Checkpoint EP
Self-Released
Release Date: 13/11/2020
Running Time: 14:28
Review by Tammy Lomax
10/10

I cannot explain in actual words how much I needed this day off. I have been breaking my back for months with barely any time to congress. Today is different, the house is tidy and very quiet, and I am submerging myself into my happy place, my musical bubble.

Today’s selection are Cambridge alt-rockers Standing Like Statues. They self-released their second EP “Reality Checkpoint” on 13/11/2020, which is produced by Romesh Dodangoda (Motörhead, Bring Me The Horizon).

Formed in 2015, Standing Like Statues have supported bands such as We Are The Ocean, Fort Hope and Courage My Love. They have also experienced being featured on BBC Look East and BBC Introducing Cambridge, ‘Reality Checkpoint’ is the follow up to 2015’s “Makeup And Mind Games” and their inspirations come from bands like 30 Seconds To Mars and Biffy Clyro.

My favourite track on the EP is opener ‘Skylines’, it hit me like a brick. I had it on loop for a while and discovered I resembled the lyrics. There is an elevating light when you listen, even more so when the lyrics hit home. It is energetic and the electronic elements have much texture and weight, Vocalist Jamie Wiltshire explains that this track is about feeling claustrophobic, by not being true to oneself because of fear of not being accepted. Are you known to keep apologising to the person you love because you can’t control the anxiety that eats away at you? If you do, then this track is for you, suggested as a cry for help but with an answer! The vocal ranges are good, they don’t sound over bearing when the high notes are reached, and they are projected in a crystal-clear manner. There is stability flowing between the lyrics and the instruments, nothing overwhelms each other. I absolutely love it!

The following tracks ‘Stupid Love’ and ‘Confidence’ align together nicely, They are definitely a bit bouncier. When ‘The Best Kind of Anxiety’ plays, there is more creativity regarding the technical side and it ends the EP on a high, the same high you get with ‘Skylines’. I can safely say, beyond any doubt that Standing Like Statues are going to bring a huge breath of fresh air to the music industry.

This EP is superlative, especially during these times, you literally feel a surge of inspiration after listening. Also, I literally cannot put across how sweet the production is, it is fabulous darling!

Just under 15 minutes long and I honestly love what Standing Like Statues have created. At the moment, there are an enormous amount of people who are suffering, Standing Like Statues have reached out and excelled themselves! Feeling a bit shit? Listen to this, on repeat…

TRACKLISTING:
01. Skylines
02. Stupid Love
03. Confidence
04. The Best Kind Of Anxiety

LINE-UP:
Jamie – Vocals
Effy – Drums
Exidion – Guitar
Chris – Bass
Meitar – Guitar

LINKS:

Photo by Daniel Akerley

Disclaimer: This review is solely the property of Tammy Lomax and Ever Metal. It is strictly forbidden to copy any part of this review, unless you have the strict permission of both parties. Failure to adhere to this will be treated as plagiarism and will be reported to the relevant authorities.

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