Review; Clarion - On Tick EP

In May this year, indie pop four-piece Clarion released their debut EP 'On Tick'. With influences such as The Cure, Pale Waves and The 1975, the Birmingham based band were aiming high, and although it has been months since the EP was released (and the band have since dropped a banger of a single, 'Boracic Park') I believe they are a band that are definitely worth mentioning, so I have (finally) written my thoughts on their debut release...

First track on the EP is instrumental piece 'Pilot'. An element of intrigue is instantly introduced to the listener, as the instrumental opening helps set the scene but also leaves you wondering what there is to come from the rest of the EP.

Second song 'Up In Space' kicks off the EP after the initial intro piece with a The 1975-esque guitar riff that creates a 'vibey' atmosphere which remains a prominent feature throughout the song. The guitar is dialled back when the vocal begins, making singer Jay Adam's voice the main focus throughout the verses. However, the track is infused with additional layered edited vocal parts which act almost like synths, once again adding to that soft vibey sound that the band manage to capture so well.

'What You Want' is a much more upbeat song, shifting the mood of the EP from more laid back to funkier and more energetic. More of a vocal range is presented in this track, beginning with a softer and more one-tone vocal, before a more powerful sound is introduced within the chorus. Within the track there is a much more defined chorus than in 'Up In Space', providing a memorable hook that you will find yourself singing for hours after initially listening to the song.

Fourth track 'Same Old' is a guitar driven indie rock banger, with Catfish and the Bottlemen style melodies amongst the lead vocals within the chorus. This track features the most raw sounding vocals, paving way for a sound that is less clean cut than previous tracks had presented. The lively pre-chorus guitars harmonise perfectly with the vocals before the anthemic sounding chorus kicks in, creating that perfect indie rock sound that so many bands strive for.

'Misfit' sees the band strip things back, with the song being presented in it's rawest form by using only guitar and vocals throughout. This is the track in which the vocals truly shine through, as the tracks so far are much more layered and full of a range of elements to focus on. The guitar part throughout 'Misfit' follows a mostly similar structure throughout the song, creating that familiar 'vibey' aura that Clarion present, and this more recurrent riff fits particularly well with the repeated lyrics towards the very end of the track.

Closing track 'White Noise' is a slower, piano driven piece. The keys lead the entirety the track, with set back vocals accompanying for the middle portion of the track,before ending with a slight element of distortion noise that gives that proper closing track feel. Having a song that is almost primarily instrumental ties up the EP perfectly, as it links back to the opening which was a fully instrumental track and highlights how the band have come full circle with the collection of songs.

Overall, 'On Tick' is an eclectic collection of indie/goth pop tunes, no two of which sound or feel alike. Whilst there are hints of key influences within the EP, Clarion have managed to create a sound that is entirely their own, and are definitely a band worth keeping an eye on - I predict big things to come for them!

~Alex