Unless you were told, you wouldn't realise that this new EP from Halifax, Nova Scotia duo Steady Hills was recorded as live. Admittedly it was at a (deliberately!) empty venue, but even so, it's so competently complete and the sound quality is so good you'd swear it was the work of a few studio hours. This isn't just down to the current proliferation of lo-budget recordings doing the rounds either, 'Alone In The Marquee' doesn't sound lo-fi, it sounds like an accomplished alt-rock band. There are a few helping hands with engineering and backing vocals etc., but even so it's an impressive feat. For an idea of style, take the guitars from 'The Rat' by The Walkmen, tame them down a bit, add some Interpol at their most tuneful and them mix in just a touch of Americana/electric-folk and a hint of blues.
'Steady Hills' have the hallmarks of a band from that side of the Atlantic and they have songs of a stature that can compare with the better known alt-rock bands of North America. 'Today' could be The Walkmen covering Johnny Cash; they create something of a wash of guitars, it's a complete sound, a wall of noise if you like, but at the same time it feels open and free. It's this willingness to let the songs drift naturally instead of forcing them that gives this EP an air of confidence, something they prove on the spacious, unhurried 'Hometown Hero'. There are few surprises once you've got a grasp of their sound, but why change a winning formula? The stomping 'Long Grey Roads' is another highlight, as is the frantic, country-influenced 'Dark Roads'. We're left to conclude that 'Alone In The Marquee' is quite a bold statement for a debut outing, especially given the manner of its creation.
Steady Hills' website
Stream or buy the EP
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