This EP from Diving Station has been out a while, but it is still a discovery well worth making. The four-piece from Manchester describe their sound as indie-folk and harp-driven rock with other genres blending in too. The harp features strongly on short instrumental opener ‘Alice I’ with a bold chord entering over the sound of raindrops.

‘Plastic People’ has an alienating lyric over a roving bass and drums with sparkling harp glissandos. A middle section gives way to a repeated chorus line then an enormous electric guitar crashes in and drives the song into a big finish with a gradual drift away. It is full of surprises, as is much of this EP.

‘Turn Off’ is a more conventional rock song, with an irresistible hookline, sung with emotion by main vocalist Anna McLuckie. Another short instrumental, then pivotal song ‘Origami Warfare’ broods and builds over five and a half minutes, drawing the listener into the offbeat lyrical ideas; some fine free-form drumming on this track and that big guitar crashes in again.

‘Drown’ is probably my favourite track, an acoustic and atmospheric duet showing the folk/dream-pop side of this talented band. As the music fades away over the horizon it certainly leaves a lasting impression…

https://divingstationmusic.bandcamp.com/