Stillwater Giants: Album Review

Imagine the fresh sea breeze blowing through your sun bleached locks, the scent of salt amidst the air, the cool waves below your feet and the sound of seagulls harking from the shore. This is where you get lost when listening to Margaret River surfer dudes STILLWATER GIANTS sweet second EP ‘Fly Under The Radar’. Following successful self-titled EP of 2011, this bands sound has evolved even further into the ambient chilled surfy indie pop vibe which these boys are known for. If you are looking for some easy listening, then this band is for you, it isn’t going to have you frothing at the mouth for more or have you humming their tunes to death but Fly Under The Radar is a solid EP exposing the bands raw talent.

Main mention goes to Tom Godden, lead guitarist, now that is one man who knows what to do with his fingers and able to get your heart racing. The licks he provides in each ditty defines this band, without his master guitar skills the band would lack in flair. The six track EP opens on One Night Only a questionable mellow choice for the first fifteen seconds, making it skip worthy for those itching for something more upbeat. If you make it past the slow start, then you’ll hear a tune of effortless beauty, which features the soothing natural falsetto of Henry Clarke. The lead vocals throughout all six tracks are relaxing to the core and only get complimented more by three part harmonies.

Walking on Air offers a lot of difference with a number of instrumental interludes, interesting vocal parts and a real sense that you are floating above ground. Boasting Angus Watkins tom drum glory More Ways Than One builds gradually with western guitar themes, screaming falsetto, and lyrics questioning the lemons of life. Title track Fly Under The Radar is a tipsy tune cruising you into a euphoric state of delirious hippie dancing for those that way inclined.

Current single being featured on Triple J and Unearthed Not Like The Others lifts the EP to a whole nutha’ level. For popularity sake it may have been beneficial to add tracks like this, or like Give Into Me from the last EP, for those who like the rock surf feel. Strategic hits, a solid bass line and percussion fun all contribute to a song that has and will continue to get them noticed. Ripsnorter song of the EP goes to closing track Broken Soul, what starts off gently turns absolutely legendary. Bright crisp wailing guitar solos in a battle off of epic proportions then erupts into vocal and guitar effects through a lengthy instrumental episode. The last minute doesn’t feature any lyrics, the track just doesn’t need it, as the Stillwater Giants display why they are gaining some ample airtime of late.

The Stillwater Giants are currently planning a headline tour around Australia in December before hopefully releasing a full album in the New Year.