All I Am’ is the debut four-track EP from Glasgow based alt-rock band ‘Acrylic’. There is a broad and expansive feel to the sound of this record, as sweeping guitars and precise drum beats are accompanied by strong, if slightly mournful vocals. The melancholic air is cut through by the addition of jangly hooks and a sharp melodic sensibility. It is ambitious and well constructed combining the intricacy of math-rock with an atmospheric, soundscape approach.
The EP begins with ‘Where I Lie’ which is a brooding and introspective number undershot by a tight rhythm section and punctuated with swirling guitar effects. The tone is relatively sombre but there is a defiance to the enunciation of the lyrics, “if I’d had you down as one I’d always keep around I might have done what I’d not done“
This emphasis on self-reflection is continued on second track ‘In Here/Tonight’, though this song’s structure is a little more standard with a rousing chorus and harmonic guitar flourishes. The vocals almost verge on a falsetto at times and meld well with the surrounding instrumentation, which has a more upward inflection than the previous track.
ihas an introductory beat and central guitar line that wouldn’t sound out of place in a Siouxsie And The Banshees‘ track. This soon gives way to a more recognisably Indie feel, though the track does retain elements of that initial spikiness. There is an almost oneiric quality to the songs lilting riffs which are supported by contemplative vocals, before drawing to a close on the echoed sound of distortion.
Finally, the title track rounds the EP off, it is a longer number at nearly seven and a half minutes. This allows the band more space to really sculpt a lush and varied sonic backdrop, which is layered across the song. This builds up well and the vocals in particular sound more powerful as the song progresses to its apex, after which things are brought right down, ending on a final mellower tone.
This is a strong showing from a band who are clearly on the up, drawing on Scotland and especially Glasgow’s rich musical heritage, whilst crafting a sound that remains idiosyncratic. ‘All I Am’ is out on March 30th on Scottish Fiction records, with a launch gig on home turf at King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut on the same date.