Sheffield-based three-piece emo band Pale Sailor only formed in 2023, but has already built a following with extensive live and social media success. They have now released their debut EP ‘you’re not yourself’. Recorded entirely by the band (with the help and support of their local community), everything (except drums) was captured in guitarist Eamonn’s attic using just two microphones and a laptop. The band say this approach gave them complete creative freedom and a final product that truly feels like them.
‘shrimply the best’ – Firstly, what a great song title! The track dives straight in with Anya’s smooth vocal starting on virtually the first beat with seriously energetic momentum. I loved the breakdown with the intricate math-rock guitar riff. There’s plenty of light and shade in this opener, and there’s even a cool chanting section that develops into a funky, hard-driving finish.
‘go ahead, play it, see it I care’ – I’m partial to a quote in a song, so this track was right up my street, as it starts with a clip from the video game Fallout 2. This begs the question – does the title refer to playing the song, or playing the video game? As it turns out, it’s neither – the band write “the title originated from a comment drummer Henry made during rehearsal, which the band felt captured the song’s spirit”. There are lots of nice little unique touches (like the random beep just before the chorus!). At only a smidge over 90 seconds, this is the shortest track on the EP, but it covers a lot of ground with rhythmic switch-ups and the same intense momentum.
‘surface level’ – Written last for the EP, but mixed first, this one feels a bit more controlled and straightforward than the other tracks. A fantastic rhythm guitar and a wonderful growling bass stalk the track. I liked the chord progressions and the simple melodic catchiness in this one – it sounded really fresh to me.
‘willows’ – the EP ends with this wonderfully brooding track that sounds immense. The slower tempo feels more open and powerful. The guitars sound so crunchy and full here. Film quotes and other samples jostle and fight for attention at halfway, which creates a slightly uneasy, unsettling feel. The track finishes with an extended outro of atmospheric distortion and feedback.
Each track on ‘you’re not yourself’ is packed with melody, groove and inventiveness. Lyrically, too, things are layered and enigmatic. The band say the songs deal with things such as mental health, pressure & death – and with mentions of graves and being buried, each song felt like a dark riddle waiting to be decoded and unpicked. (NB: full lyrics are available on the EP’s Bandcamp page). Fear not, though, because above all, this is an emotional and varied EP that is bursting with ideas.
‘You’re not yourself’ is a stunning debut and a bold showcase for this young band.
Written by Grubby
