Album Review: Piano - The Valediction of Verse EP

On first listen you realise there is something special about this four-piece but you can't quite put your finger on it. It takes a few more listens to understand it's just not one thing that makes the EP great but several characteristics.

It all kicks off with 'Home Is Where The Heart Is' a track showcases Daniel Tompkins' soothing vocals superbly backed up with pop-rock instrumentation and lyrics, that will definitely makes you stand up and pay attention.

'Two Wrongs Don't Make A Right' continues the characteristic of combining feel-good music with straining, captivating vocals. The track subtly shows the bands influences such as Deftones and Glassjaw but at the same time keeps the bands own identiy.

'Legacy' sees the band go into soft, ballad mode with Tompkins' vocals especially being a highlight of the track, which is a blend of vocal harmonies and a soft piano taking lead.

The band comes back alive on the final track 'Actions Speak Louder Than Words'. It has all the characterisitcs you would want from a band like this. An epic chorus, soothing harmonies and emotional vocals, is what makes this band special.

'The Valediction of Verse' is a great introduction to a band like Piano, as it is filled with catchy hooks, beautiful melodies and overall, songs that you will listen to again and again. Piano are most certainly a band with a passion for what they do and this EP shows they put there heart and soul into what they do.

4/5

'The Valediction of Verse' by Piano is being self-released in April.
Visit Piano's myspace for more details.

Sean Reid