Free-Music Review — 1st September, 2000

Thanks to Chris Howard for reminding me that this section of my site exists, and making me feel important in the world of non-commercial music by asking me to listen to his music and tell the world what I think. This release of FMR is a special review of the MP3s produced by the group he leads: Epic.

Epic are a Reading, UK-based trio: Chris Howard on lyrics and vocals; Chadd Z on production, as well as drums and keyboard; Andrew 'Spacky Boy' Raimond assists in songwriting. All three contribute guitar. I've been listening to the four tracks available at MP3.com for over a week now but only just read the Artist Info. I was impressed to learn that the tracks are produced in the group's home studio (known as The Cell - probably not the one featuring Jennifer Lopez). Not nearly as impressed as I was when I noticed the ages of the trio. Only Chris had even reached age eighteen at the time the tracks were put online. If the group sound this good already, I can see a good future in music for them.

If, that is, they can get enough people to hear them. They've won several competitions and even come close to a single, but Chris says it's almost impossible to get noticed. And, given the fact that any pretty-boy shite collective with connections can form a boy-band and get their crap heard the world over, that sucks major ass. So if your tastes include rock, give them a chance. I reckon they're worth it.

"High Then Higher"

Epic

I didn't like this track to start off with: gentle vocals and melancholy guitar - just not my style. But I aim to be objective regardless, so I kept listening. And now I think this is my favourite of the four tracks. The guitar builds from a reflective sound, through a pacey stretch, into a tormented background before dropping back to the sweet melody that sees us through most of the song, and it perfectly supports the vocals. And the vocals are just as sweet and full of energy, rich with feeling, though I haven't worked out if the lyrics are hopeful or sad (my ability to decipher lyrics ain't great). Sound quality is very good, the boys certainly know how to play their instruments (quit sniggering), and the vocals tones are very appropriate. All together a great track.

"2 o'Clock"

Epic

Ah, yeah, baby! Buzzing guitars from the start had me headbanging immediately, and the vocals are loud and uninhibited. All punctuated by a sharp drum line. This song almost sounds like it could be shoved into the category 'pop' until you pay attention to the lyrics. Lines such as "A sick, perverted, child-molesting freak" keep this well away from accusations of being a standard track. The exact meaning of the song still eludes me, despite the fact I've read the lyrics on MP3.com. But it sounds so good in the track that I won't let it bother me. Much.

"Waited For A Better Day"

Epic

This is my least favourite of the four. Not because it's a bad track. Just because it's the least fitting with my tastes. Opinion out of the way, this is another superb piece of produce. Well-written music, fitting vocals (sounding very much like the Stereophonics at times... this vocalist is a flexible instrument), and it all fits together nicely. I'm sure a lot of people would like this a lot.

"Singing Out To You"

Epic

This track sounds more raw than the others, especially at the start. Almost like a live track. But that works because the vocals hold up very well even when the other instruments are waiting to come in. Things start gently, the only clue of a buildup being the bass drum that shows up early to incite the riot that follows. Then the guitars soar and the vocals get unleashed and the track is rife with Epic's expressive energy. Another reason to wonder why this group haven't been picked up yet.