Short Reviews [Lobate Scarp - 2019 - "Spirals and Portals"]

This is the first time I have come across Lobate Scarp, who released their debut (and to date only) album back in 2012, followed it up with a single in 2016 and are now back with as EP. The band is based around singer and keyboard player Adam Sears, while other stalwarts have been Andy Catt (bass, vocals) and drummer Mike Gerbrandt: it is also interesting to see the involvement of none other than Rich Mouser, the famed Spock’s Beard producer. There are three new songs on this 25-minute-long EP, plus a slightly shortened radio edit of opening song “Nothing Wrong.” Aside from the core band, they also bring in many more musicians when the time is right, although not as many as on their debut when (including the members of the choir) they boast more than 50 people were involved. This is pleasant melodic rock with progressive tendencies here and there, but there are some interesting sections and approaches which made me think more of neo prog, especially on the rambunctious chorus for “Nothing Wrong”. I was enjoying what I was hearing, without anything massively resonating if I am being honest. Then I came to third song “Beautiful Light”, which is different to the others both in style and content. It soars, it is commercial, it contains more diversity and spread than the others, and I sat up, paid real interest, and wished there were more like this. Hopefully, this EP, after such a gap, shows that the band is more active again as I really want to hear a full album from these guys.