People Are Things - In one ear

People Are Things

In One Ear
self-released; 2017

​3.6 out of 5

By Andrew Westberry

Formed in Aberystwyth, UK, in 2003, People Are Things is an up-and-coming alternative rock band that infuses their music with elements from both acoustic and electronic styles. Their most recent EP entitled In One Ear is a collection of four original songs and was released in January 2017.

A subdued guitar and voice duo opens the record in “Back Door” with a beautiful melody that gradually builds as more and more instruments join the soundscape. Synchronized drums and bass lay down the rhythm for the song while electric guitars strum out notes and power chords to complement the smooth, yet energetic layered vocals throughout the track.

“Who Gave Them Guns” follows with a steady beat that is occasionally interrupted by a held out guitar chord. The chorus of the song adds electronic elements to the band’s characteristic alternative rock style, and as the song progresses it quickly grows into a full fledged rock anthem with crashing cymbals, raging guitars, and unfettered vocals.

The energy of the album reaches a new high in “Ready, Willing, Unstable” a danceable rock track with a swinging rhythm, care-free vocals and a full soundscape created by many instruments and background vocals.

​The album comes to an end with “Tail of the Sun” a nontraditional alternative rock song that features syncopated rhythms, powerful vocals and crisp, technically superb instrumentation.

Taking cues from many musical groups and styles, People Are Things has successfully managed to generate a unique sound, one that caters to listeners of many genres, and In One Ear is a solid introduction to the band’s charm and skill. This album, as well as the band’s earlier works, is certainly representative of the high caliber music that the band is capable of writing, performing and producing.

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