It’s mind-blowing how Stapleton have stayed in the so-called “underground”. It really is. Winning critical acclaim with every record, legions (albeit small, quiet ones) of fans with every show and this release showcases two of their former glories: “On the enjoyment…” mini-album originally released through the now defunct Subjugation Records and their first Gravity outing “Icy You EP”. Both these releases were great in their own right and putting them together here works equally well.
We start with the ringing guitars of “Heads down, thumbs up”. A taster of what’s to come without giving too much of the game away and yet I’ve always felt this release showed something of the obscure side to Stapleton. Occasionally it seems as though they’re trying to bury their appeal under the Braid angularities and spy vs. spy rhythmic convulsions. But it’s futile. With more pop-nous than the Promise Ring ever managed and life-affirming, glorious time changes Stapleton peep over the parapet and expose themselves as one of the best bands in the UK at the moment, if not for a long time.
This release leaves behind some of the more obvious Promise Ring comparisons their first album gathered and, as a snapshot of Stapleton‘s adolescence it’s unbeatable. Their recent “Chez Chef” EP shows the strengths they’ve gone on to and its all evident here albeit in distilled form whilst showing something unique to this release too, with some of Al Paxton’s most heart wrenching lyrics ever (see “sometimes they do but they don’t tell me”).
Its obvious why Stapleton are loved throughout the UK and frankly, as I’ve already said its insane that they aren’t recognised further. If you’ve got any sense in your head you’ll go out and get this release. Now.
Steve