[CD Review] WE ALL WANT TO – No Signs

We All Want To

Why play the traditional game when the creative urge calls? We All Want To have always been about exceeding expectations, and that is certainly the case on this release. Coming a mere seven months after their sophomore long player, this eight-track E.P. is the sassy sidekick to 2012’s outstanding Come Up Invisible and perfectly encapsulates the fervour and spirit within this collective. Led by indie stalwart Tim Steward (Screamfeeder) and co-vocalist Skye Staniford, We All Want To have presented No Signs as a transitional piece of work that showcases the best of an evolving band lineup.

A drive for blissfully edgy pop sustains this E.P., the strengths of Stewards angular song writing wholly complemented by Staniford’s melodic sensibility and breezy vocals. The title track is an unabashed pop gem, equal parts joyful chant and storyteller. Its contemplative lyrical tone is awash in pop hooks, the closing theme of “If we see lights, we should walk towards them” rounding out the regret highlighted elsewhere.

The E.P covers an eclectic range of offerings – a cover, a remix, acoustic renderings and a couple of new or previously unreleased gems. One of these gems, ‘Down in the Park’, exemplifies what is great about this band; inventive wordplay, pulsating rhythms and beautiful harmonies. The cover, ‘Mission Viejo’ (originally by Minneapolis indie punks, Lifter Puller), builds warmly on the original – a  song of deep regret that sounds so uplifting in spirit; a measure of both the original songwriting and the interpretation offered by the band.

The acoustic re-workings of two tracks from Come Up Invisible take the listener on a different path – the statement of intent that dominates the original version of ‘Ramp up the Bleeding’ has become a plaintive yearning, its subtleties exposed. These tracks serve as a nice counterbalance to other themes explored on this E.P., and help justify its character as an impressive stand-alone piece of work.

We All Want To have been steadily traversing the east coast building up a following the way it should be done, with consistently strong live shows instead of relying on past glories and hype. They deserve your attention. This E.P. makes a great case for letting your ears decide.

+1 Records
8/10
Reviewer: Paul Frost

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