The six-track production collates a wealth of stellar songwriting, distinctive and dynamic vocals, and melodies that are so immersive, you’ll come back for more.
‘The Reckoning’ is the result of a team full of talent. Calum Steel’s role doubled with incorporated guitar work alongside recording the tracks. The latter role was shared with Jamie Holmes who also mixed the genre-fusing tunes. The EP’s mastering was done by Robin Sutherland, with the simple yet impactful artwork being the work of Rory Kennedy. Steel’s work on guitar is supported by Jamie Morrison on drums, who maintains melodic momentum throughout the singles. They are joined by vocalists Becky Clarke, who also plays bass, and lyricist Sean McGarvey.
With five striking singles already released, leading track ‘Understand’ was the only one left to hear. Acting as an introduction to the EP, the opening tune is made up of a minimalistic melody fuelled by a guitar and vocals. Becky Clarke’s voice is vibrant and uplifting, accompanied by intricate guitar playing. This background of intricacy complements Clarke’s singing while remaining just as impressive on its own. It is a short but striking preview into what to expect from the rest of the EP. Lively lyricism is easy to spot with lines like, “said I would die for you / instead I sat and cried for you,” with the discussion of an “emotional hurricane”.
Second in is the title track. Released on 16th May, it is the most recent single and continues the prevalent poignance of emotional discovery. Fusing honesty, harmonies and heartfelt lyrics, 'Reckoning’ is a standout song that discusses the relationship between freedom and security. It’s perfect for all year round listening, but the light, easy listening feel makes it perfect for the upcoming summer months. For each verse, main vocals are switched between McGarvey and Clarke, which makes for an intriguing listen.
‘Terrible Comfort’ and ‘Romantic Anarchy’ take the EP on a slight diversion. ‘Terrible Comfort’ begins with a more haunting feel, elements of echoey vocals highlighting each lyric clearly. McGarvey’s voice perfectly encapsulates the intended feel of each line, giving a raw revelation of the emotions felt in this particular scenario. “You can love me, mourn me all that you like,” is an almost conversational lyric and provides listeners with understanding undertones. ‘Romantic Anarchy’ is similar in the discussion of emotional honesty. This tune talks of “emotional associations for you to use at your discretion”, painting the picture of being used and the consequential feelings. Descriptive depictions shine through especially well in these two tracks.
Returning to tunes that are uplifting, yet equally as thought provoking, ‘This Plastic Ego’ satisfies this. The airy, light feel goes hand in hand with the anthemic sound that will sound atmospheric in a live setting. It is a song that details the fragility of a fragmented relationship, and things left behind. Reminiscent descriptions include, “pictures of you still hanging on the wall,” and “perfume still lingering round the hall”.
Each song on ‘The Reckoning’ acts as evaluative renditions of events that we could all experience. McGarvey’s songwriting takes these and he, along with a strong musical foundation, creates a serene surrounding of relatability. However, closing track ‘Guilty Lovers & Heartbreak Serenades’ eases into an emphasis that you shouldn’t “leave yourself behind” and be more present in the experiences we find ourselves in. The initial lyrics state the importance of being able to “find better ways to narrate your life / find better ways to spend your free time”. A meticulous message is formed that suggests we shouldn’t rely on the words of others to write our own personal stories.
‘The Reckoning’ is a collection of carefully curated tracks that are as strong individually as they are as part of this EP. Many bands use their debut releases to explore their sound and find what makes them unique, but Vanderlye have mastered this already. Each song adds to the individualistic identity of the group, leaving no ambiguity as to their sound and intended direction for future material.
Morgan Hermiston
Image: 'The Reckoning’ Official Single Cover
