Folky Fabulousness: Dave Pilla's 'More Than Hoped For' EP.

Today I stumbled across something massive. No, it wasn't just me being blind (although I am desperately reliant on my glasses); I mean metaphorically, dur. Scrolling on Twitter, an artist I reviewed way back when I first started my blog - Adam Geraghty - had posted a SoundCloud link for @DavePilla. I liked Geraghty's music, so figured he wouldn't recommend any old dross, and so clicked on the link.
I was truly blown away after the first 30 seconds of Pilla's EP More Than Hoped For.

Twitter Find Of The Day: The Sea The Sea.

Firstly, I would like to apologise immensely for my long absence from blogging! I've just got back from a girls holiday in Magaluf and recovery from that, along with a lot of shifts at work, have meant I have had no time or energy to even think about writing!
 I have however, been avidly listening to music still, and I recently stumbled across a band I think you might like. The Sea The Sea are an indie rock band hailing from Oxford who set themselves apart from their contemporaries such as The Maccabees with their 'trademark' of a dreamy atmosphere that contrasts yet complements their rocky guitar riffs.

The band, made up of Matthew Clarkson, Danny Crane-Brewer, David Freeman, Patrick Merricks and Stuart Norfolk. Their release of the Four Demos EP, for record shop day, has already gained much praise, and I would like to increase that praise ten-fold.
The first track on the EP, 'The Strait, The Narrow' has a real dream like quality which is easy to get lost in. The lead vocals are spectacular and meander seamlessly from the calm soft tones to the more edgy rock vocals which (maybe it's just me?) are reminiscent of Morrissey and The Smiths.
Second track, 'Waterfall', has a beautifully reflective introduction which is endearing and instantly calming. I love the music in this track as it just seems to carry you away, making it instantly my favourite track on the EP. The heavy percussion which seems, at first, a rude interruption in the serene landscape the track creates, is perfect in emphasising the passion in the lyrics. It's interesting how the vocals don't seem to be the most important thing in this track, as they are drowned by the emotion-fuelled music with its multitude of layers.
'Something Happened' is probably the band's most stereotypically 'indie' track, with a chorus which reminds me of The Wombats and Young Kato. The infectious guitar during the chorus sequence makes it a perfect summer tune, and with the addition of the consistent drum beat, I can imagine this track being the 'best seller' during a live performance.
The final track on the EP, 'Winter Parade', was the first song I heard from the band; after receiving a follow from them on Twitter, I looked them up on Spotify and randomly clicked on this track. I instantly fell in love with the track purely because of the chaotic guitar and drum sections which seem to burst from nowhere in the track and add a huge buzz of excitement.
It's not just the obvious talent of The Sea The Sea that make me enjoy listening to them, it's also the care they put into replying to fans on Twitter; it's disappointing that more recognised artists don't make as much effort in showing their supporters how grateful they are. After tweeting about the track 'Winter Parade', I received a reply from the band thanking me and then we ended up discussing parmos! (A local delicacy from Middlesbrough, where I'm from!). So thank you, guys, for cheering me up last night, as well as making brilliant music!

With a new EP release promised for October 2013, this band is definitely one to watch. I personally cannot wait to hear new stuff from the talented group! I will also be on the lookout for any live gigs in the North East in the upcoming year, as I HAVE to see this band live!

Listen to the band on SoundCloud here.

Like what you here? Learn more about the band through their tumblr page, click here to view the page.

Follow the band on Twitter, search @theseatheseaHQ.