Bounds Of Modesty – ‘Dreamers’ EP
Bounds Of Modesty – Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
MF is taking an audio trip to Amsterdam, so without further ado, here’s Bounds Of Modesty.
Formed in 2009, Bounds Of Modesty are a four-piece group who specialise in playing a collection of upbeat and chilled sounds via a mix of Pop-Rock, the Pop-ier/Rockier end of modern Pop-Punk, and a Folk vibe thrown in for those who like their acoustic guitars and a slower jams.
Immediate comparisons within my own memory bank suggest that the whole, ‘for fans of’ thing would bring up bands such as: Transit and The Wonder Years. The acoustic and more semi-acoustic numbers lean more towards a Folk-orientated sound, particularly on the latest release, but we shall arrive at that destination shortly.
In the mean time, here’s an early track from the band’s catalogue:
The title track off their first EP, The Great Overture:
Anyway, as I was rambling, the more acoustic led tracks have that Transit feel; think ‘Young New England’, while some of the Rockier tracks and slower Pop-Punk notes lean more towards one of Soupy’s intro/mid-track laments so commonly contained within The Wonder Years‘ music.
With three EPs, a number of singles and other recorded works dotted about on YouTube, the band are slowly building themselves a solid repertoire and developing their sound.
Here’s a the video the band made for their single ‘Concrete’, which is from their second EP Watching Sunsets:
The band’s latest release, entitled Dreamers, is the soundtrack to a feature film of the same title produced by the band themselves, so is in essence, a double achievement. On the whole, the EP takes on a more Acoustic and Folk influenced sound as mentioned earlier, while still maintaining the Pop-Rock/Pop-Punk sound that occupied the first two EPs.
The lead single of the EP, ‘The Heart Wants’, has an accompanying video, which was filmed while walking the streets of Amsterdam on a bright winter’s day, and definitely looks as if it was fun days filming. Musically, it could easily be an acoustic rendition of an earlier, plugged in recording. Fast, acoustic, upbeat and heartfelt, Bounds Of Modesty chose well with this single. The song’s infectious nature, welcoming vibe and approachability make it a prime choice for an EP opener.
On ‘While We’re Lost’, the guitar work leans more towards to the Folk aesthetic, whilst some of the verses show off Bounds Of Modesty’s tendency to play off a ballad-leaning track, which is easily achieved by the softer notes vocalist Callum Stamp pours into the microphone. ‘Superheroes’ leans the same way and makes for a solid Pop song and could easily be another candidate for a video. A solid half way point.
The penultimate number, is more of a melancholic anthem that is laden with feelings, but also shows the light at the end of the tunnel. Solid Folk guitar work and heartfelt vocals once more guide us through and onward to the final number of tonight’s show, ‘Awake’.
‘…Don’t make me smile for another picture again. I’m falling apart on the inside and yet, my heart isn’t ready to let go just yet…’
We’ve all been there before. Track five closes with another lament and ballad that concludes both the EP and the story of the film. A much stronger track musically, it suits its role and ties off ‘Dreamers’ with the same feel-good, yet heartfelt, signature we were brought in on.
I must admit, this sort of music may not normally be something I would purposely seek out but regardless of taste, I actually quite enjoyed the EP and it’s clear the band have put their all into this release. ‘The Heart Wants’ is going to be stuck in my head for days. Well done lads.
The band’s back catalogue is available via their official website which can be found here. ‘Dreamers’ can be located for purchase direct from BOM’s Facebook by clicking here, then by clicking on ‘More’ then ‘Music Store’.
That’s it from us, #StayFresh and check out the film trailer below.
