Stateless’ frontman Chris James has recently gone solo and his debut EP ‘Space In The Clouds’ is a real sonic treat for the ears.
Kicking off the EP is Chris’ latest single and title track ‘Space In The Clouds’ featuring the multi-instrumentalist DM Stith on counter vocals. It is a slow burner but once its gets going it really does just whisk you away completely. Filled with soaring vocals and ambient, minimalist electronics, it sets the scene for the rest of the EP perfectly.
Following on is the piano-led beauty of a track ‘The Force (Song For Dylan)’. James’ vocal really takes centre stage here with the aptly sparse piano notes giving the song an extra layer of beauty feeling similar to the likes of Ludovico Einaudi’s intricate composition skills.
Next up is ‘Submarine’ featuring the very talented Lorna Rose on vocals. Lorna and Chris’ vocals blend effortlessly in this James Blake-esque cinematic blend. This follows nicely on to James’ debut single ‘Stairs Up To The Sun’ – swarming with yet more gorgeous musicianship from Chris’ plethora of talented friends.
Closing the EP is the rather haunting ‘Goin’ Home’ but other than the spooky vocals, I did feel rather tired at this point of the slow builds as it feels like this track doesn’t really go anywhere.
There is no doubt that this is a truly exquisite, emotive debut EP from the Stateless singer. Nonetheless, it does sometimes feel like the tracks take a while to get going and could bore a less patient listener. If Chris James could perhaps push his limits a little further and differentiate himself from a now slightly saturated genre, who knows, he could create something truly special.
‘Space In the Clouds’ is out now via AWAL.