By Chyrisse Tabone, Rock At Night Tampa
Review: Tom Lumley & The Brave Liaison’s EP Sign of the Times-April 24, 2020-The Fort Records
Rock At Night receives EPs and albums on a daily basis—some are good, some are so-so—but after listening to the first minute of Tom Lumley & the Brave Liaison’s sophomore EP Sign of the Times, I just had to hear more. Tom Lumley & the Brave Liaison emerged in 2018 and have appeared at many well-regarded festivals in the UK, like Isle of Wight, Bestival, and Tramlines, but will definitely make traction with this new EP, which will be released on April 24th.
Sign of the Times is a four-track EP which includes a reprise of the first song (clean version), and couldn’t arrive at a more fitting juncture in today’s world. The theme of the songs are gritty and real, focusing on the topics of mental health and relationships. The tunes are energetic, catchy, and definitely alt-rock or even pop-punk, but without all the nasally high-pitched voices.
The first song “Shrink” is high energy and punky, as lead singer Tom Lumley says, “I need to get some rest, it’s all in my head.” “New York Paranoia” discusses a cheating girlfriend and features lyrics which could be a real-life conversation, as he asks, “Why do you treat me like this?” and cuts to the chase, “it’s not in my head…sleeping around and thinking you’d never get caught.”
Again, the song “Casual” talks about jumping into a relationship (“it’s hasty”) in pop-punk fashion, and features an infectious, ear-worm chorus throughout…”it’s something we don’t talk about, it’s just a sign of the times, we won’t let it out, it’s something we don’t talk about, it’s a conversation we can do without.”
“Let Go” discusses the insecurities in a relationship. It is a ballad which features an acoustic rhythm guitar and lead guitar solos but gets totally rockin’ at the end, with a mighty crescendo.
Finally, the last song is a radio-friendly version of “Shrink”.
Tom Lumley & the Brave Liaison are a band to keep an eye on! The latest EP is solid! If you like hard alt rock, pop-punk, or are fans of bands like Royal Blood or The Amazons, you’ll love this new EP. Lift your spirits and give it a listen!
SPOTIFY
Members-Tom Lumley, Jake Day, Billy Stewart, and Jonny Thompson
I grew up in a household full of rock music, studied journalism in college, and then became a scientist.Although my science career has served me well, music has always played a major role in my life. I grew up reading "Creem" magazine; I play several musical instruments as a "hobby";and it seems a camera has always been in my hand. Now, I am combining what I love the most--music and photography--serving as editor of Rock At Night. I travel between the US and UK seeking my dream! My motto: life is short...no regrets. Chyrisse
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