A thoroughly engaging short collection from South London indie-folk newcomers, Siblings.  Four tracks that make you want to hear much more…

Release Date:  16^th November 2023

Label: Self Release

Formats: Digital

It’s always good to be able to bring a new name to these pages, especially when the new name in question has something as substantial to offer as Siblings, a new four-piece indie-folk outfit from South London, have with their debut EP, In Heaven.  It’s a short collection – only four tracks – but the substantiality comes into play with the quality of the tunes on offer here; with In Heaven, Siblings have whetted my appetite, and I’m keen to hear more.

Siblings are: Theo DW on vocals and guitar, Rob Fenner on guitar and keyboards, Michael Webb on bass and Ben Andrewes on drums.  DW is the band’s frontman and principal lyricist, Ben looks after the engineering and mixing duties and all four are accomplished vocalists and, on the evidence of what I’ve heard here, all have an ear for what a well-produced record should sound like.  I’m told, too, that things get even more interesting when the band go out on the road, because then they’re joined by Emily Izen Row (keyboards and vocals) and Matt Willett (sax), enabling Siblings to reproduce the lush sounds that are such a feature of In Heaven in the live forum.

Siblings have forged their unity around a mutual love for the songs and songwriting of Leonard Cohen, Canadian singer-songwriter Andy Shauf and MPB purveyor, Sessa.  They’ve spent much of 2023 in Cavendish Studios in London, honing the tunes that comprise In Heaven and, according to drummer Ben Andrewes, that was a stimulating experience for all concerned: “We’re fairly new friends to each other, so it was [huge] fun to see and hear each other express ourselves in the studio for the first time.  We tried to be intentional and not overdo these recordings.  It can be so tempting to overdub endlessly, [but] I think we found a sweet spot.  Some highlights for me were some of Theo’s vocal takes, all sung in one go in the control room with such conviction and emotion.”

Siblings describe their musical style as “…a mix of indie folk/rock, ethereal psychedelia, classic 70s songwriting and transcendental spirit jazz,” and, yes, all of that is detectable in and amongst the four tracks of In Heaven, but there’s also more.  I also spotted a few significant references to 70s prog, particularly in the EP’s opening track and lead single, Evangeline; there’s also a few places where the sound gets quite poppy – in a sophisticated kind of way, of course – and even one point where the music would have plunged, full-length – into jazzy balladry, if it hadn’t been held back by the avant-garde toots from Matt’s sax…

There’s lots here, too, to absorb those with a passion for lyrical interpretation.  It’s clear that DW specializes in lyrics that challenge, fascinate and puzzle listeners in equal measure.  By his own admission, surrealism and streams of consciousness play a bit part in his composition process, as he explains: “I’ve spent a lot of time over the past few years immersing myself in songs.  There’s nothing I love more than the feeling of flow that emerges as an idea presents itself before you.  Many of these songs were written from chord patterns that Rob (guitarist) had sent over to me – things that I liked the vibe of made for a catalyst.  In the writing, I pushed myself to explore my emotions without being too literal, allowing elements of surrealism to creep into the landscapes, as if looking at yourself in fragments of a broken mirror.  I think the only trick is to allow yourself freedom to express without self-judgement and to trust yourself.  Also, if you see or hear something that moves you, write it down, and it might return in a new form further down the road.”

It’s lead single, Evangeline, that gets the EP underway.  Described by DW as being about “…feeling desire and its relationship with the self,” it’s a dreamy, strangely fulfilling number.  The swirling keyboards and Michael’s busy bassline recall the prog adventures of Fragile-era Yes, whilst the strummed acoustic guitar retains a folkier grounding.  Alternately pastoral musing and prog-rock bombast, it’s an interesting opener.

And Siblings give an immediate demonstration of their versatility by moving from all-guns-blazing prog into the gentle psych-folk of Into My Dreams, possibly my favourite track on the EP.  DW’s contemplative vocals are backed by acoustic guitars and some delicious vocal harmonies, whilst the whole affair is softly underpinned by a pattering drumbeat and Michael’s soft, understated bass.  If you think about the peaceful feeling you get when you listen to Grantchester Meadows, you’ll get the idea of what Into My Dreams is all about.

Inspired by the writings of French surrealist poet Robert Desnos, the EP’s title track (and latest single) is DW’s contemplation of loss and his lament to the passage of time.  Opening line “I took the train to Nazareth” has a ringing familiarity to it, but that’s where any expected similarity to The Weight ends…  Strummed acoustic guitars and a comfortable, jazzy lead line set the scene for DW’s observational, slightly detached lyrics and the overall impact is a song that is relaxing, enjoyable and even a touch poppy.

It’s closing track, Hanging of the Sun that ventures closest to conventional pop balladry – in the pleasantest way you can imagine.  Lyrics like: “And when the bands you love are tired, old and grey, You unravel in the mystery with the fool who stood on the stage” will surely resonate as strongly with ATB readers as they with me, and DW delivers them in his best dreamlike tones, to a piano accompaniment.  And -there’s more of those signature tight vocal harmonies as the song reaches its peaceful, sleepy, jazzy conclusion.

In Heaven is a thoroughly engaging short collection of top-quality songs.  Siblings have clearly got a lot to offer – I want to hear more.  And soon.

Watch the official video, shot by film-maker Dylan Friese-Green, to In Heaven – the EP’s title track and its latest single – here:

Siblings online: Instagram

Keep up with At The Barrier: Facebook / X (formerly Twitter) / Instagram / Spotify / YouTube