Edinburgh band waverley. have done it again with their simply astounding second EP FLAIL. It showcases a realer and more mature side to the band by touching upon themes of reflection, regret and coming-of-age.
Photo credit: @rosie.sco on Instagram
The first single and opening track How It Starts kicks off with powerful drums that immediately demand your attention before segueing into playful guitars and a luscious bass line. The song then builds into the chorus where the track completely comes to life, it’s a whirlwind of sound that perfectly summarizes the experience of a good night out. The transformation in confidence of Donnie Campbell’s vocals, complemented by co-singer Ewan Malloch, and the heaviness of the melody provides a newfound energy that turns the toe-tapping at the start into full on careless flailing of limbs. The comedown from the final chorus allows you to catch your breath before the echoing chant of “fall, fall, fall, fall” truly hammers the song home.
It’s then followed by the shortest track of the band’s discography (MA). Just 24 seconds with only strings and acoustic guitar, it provides a momentary respite from the chaos and creates a smooth transition into The Corner where the energy picks up once again.
The Corner is one of the strongest songs on the whole EP. The restless nature, alongside Malloch’s vocals as he takes charge of this tune, anchors the coming-of-age narrative and keeps you hooked as it exhibits the energy of the song and plays well into the sonic guitars and the pensiveness of the drums. By ending with the gentle strumming of guitars, it serves as a pleasant full circle moment and fades nicely into Grace.
Photo credit: @georgemcfadyen_ on Instagram
The synths and the drums in Grace makes for a pleasing contrast to the softness of Campbell’s spoken word and singing, where the maturer and realer side to waverley. is really demonstrated. The band’s lyricism really shines through on this track with examples including “there’s power to my memory, I’ll rewrite any score” and “bite the hand that feeds you. Bite the hand that lets you rest.” The chanting of the latter lyrics creates an almost haunting atmosphere, punctuated by regret of the past which the song aims to reflect upon. Regret is also portrayed through the crashing of the instruments and the brief pause before they commence once more which gives the song the justice that it deserves.
Featuring strings from Pete Harvey, Nettle is a cooling breeze amongst the cluttered chaos of previous tracks. “I’m not giving up yet” issues a message about hope and accompanied with the brighter guitars, ends the song on a lighter, more sentimental note.
The closing track Cadal and it’s Frightened Rabbitesque delivery brings down the happier tone of Nettle and the unusual use of the harmonica gives this song a subtle and melancholic warmth, helping to beautifully wrap up the FLAIL listening experience.
By experimenting with new sounds, FLAIL pushes the boundaries of what a wee indie band from Scotland can do and showcases that the best is still yet to come from the Edinburgh lads.