Comprising its component parts with musicians from hardcore, punk and experimental bands that came out of the local scene in Dover, Delaware, instrumentalists They Say We’re Sinking feel it is their impatience as people that greatly influences their particular take on post rock. And while this hurried, urgent energy is apparent throughout their debut EP Echoes of the Great War, the influence of bands like Red Sparrowes, This Will Destroy You and Explosions in the Sky, one feels is even greater. An immediate example comes with live favourite and the EPs opener, Beth (Declarer). Yes the energy and snarl is all there and yes it is impeccably played throughout but the fact that I find myself thinking it could be an early track from one of the afore mentioned bands surely can’t be right. These thoughts are unwavering as the EP moves onto Kaph (Invocation), easily the EPs worst track and helped in no part by the cacophonic debauchery that is unwisely deployed at the songs tail end.
Thankfully beams of original light emanate from the second half of Echoes of the Great War. The exquisite arrangement of Gimel (The Wandering) highlights the bands delectable taste for the eclectic and emotive side of instrumental music but it is with the closer Teth (The Keeper) where They Say We’re Sinking stop hiding behind their influences and finally show us a glimpse of their real skin. Encased with deeply, textured layers and deft, precise timing it is not only the EPs stand out track but a vital indication of the bands immense ability.
All said and done this is the bands debut and a certain amount of the proverbial slack must surely be shown. Echoes of the Great War, while not anywhere near the most original offering of the year is still a solid slice of post rock from musicians obviously still trying to find their own identity and I feel from the evidence provided on the EPs latter half, it is what they do next that will define They Say We’re Sinking.
