Take it easy there lads

Galway favourites The Ralphs released their EP 21st Century Window on September 9th in Galway’s premiere venue Roisin Dubh. The EP contains five original tracks that give a taste of things to come from the group.

The EP opens with title-track 21st Century Window which, on the surface seems like an Arctic Monkeys track with the accents missing. The lyrics are somewhat over-simplified and jar slightly with a melody that doesn’t seem to be at ease with the emotions of the track. By the end of the song we’re begging for them to quit yelling. 21st Century Window is an odd choice for opening track and title-track as it showcases none of the group’s unique musical qualities. The vocals on the track are unpolished and weak. The only thing this track serves to prove is that the group certainly know their way around a guitar, and yet that is a truth which is showcased better in other instrumental areas of the EP.

Thankfully, as soon as second track Merchants Road begins we see that the first track was a mere bad example of what a decent group can produce. This is the stand-out track on the EP for me as it shows. The track is both vocally and musically different, incorporating a slight hip-hop and pop edge to their sound which works. There is nothing unfinished about this track.

 

Third track W.I.P again shows us the versatility The Ralphs have to offer as it is a harder rock track complete with distortion and yelling. At just over a minute and a half long, it is an incredibly short track which serves its purpose of leaving us desperate for more.

Track four, Electricity is another stand-out track which is ripe for single choice. It has a breezy indie-pop sound which is impossible to dislike. Soaring harmonies combine with perfect musicianship to create a track that is as vocally superb as it is endlessly listenable. If the group stick to the formula of this and Merchants Road, they’ll be headed for success.

EP closer Somniphobia is the slowest track on the record, it is easy-going and almost Cure-esque. It is a solid track which is ruined slightly by the inclusion of plenty of nonsensical chanting which puts a dampener on the laid-back attitude it opens with. Unfortunately Somniphobia puts us to sleep rather than exploring the fear of sleep. As an EP closer, the track doesn’t make the listener want to relive the experience of 21st Century Window and as such, fails.
 

21st Century Window is a good effort from The Ralphs, two tracks in particular have reached utter perfection but the EP falls short of greatness.

Greater polish and more heart is required for some tracks to become phenomenal but the EP certainly showcases a group who are both versatile and expert musicians

Ciara O’Brien