music

The Dwarf recently reviewed our debut EP and had these kind words to say about it.

Montpelier‘s debut EP showcases their melody-driven indie/pop music beautifully and manages to leave you craving more. There’s nothing overly rough or technologically edited in Montpelier’s EP: it’s organic, natural, piano driven pop featuring rolling percussion, gentle yet punchy guitar and breathtakingly beautiful vocals.

Produced by Kevin Augunas of Cold War Kids, Edwarde Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros and Yves Klein Blue fame; the EP benefits from subtle changes of tempo throughout, yet relies primarily on their trademark melodies. The band utilises lead singer Greg Chiapello’s ability to hit high-pitched notes just often enough. The gentle melodies and clever tempo-changes highlight his exceptional vocal talent, but at no stage do you feel like the band is dependent on his prowess behind the microphone.

Chiapello’s voice has this remarkable ability to put me to sleep, making me so engrossed in his music that life is an afterthought and dances along like a lunatic; all at the same time.

The multi-tiered harmonies and charming melodies are so intrinsically warming that it’s only upon closer inspection that you realise this is essentially a record that explores the themes of loss, rejection and love.

The lyrical content is not exactly unique to piano driven pop bands; but is complex, intriguing; Montpelier tells stories that captivate every ounce of your attention.

Whilst each track differs only subtly, Montpelier’s debut EP can’t be termed one-dimensional.

Featuring snappy piano and soaring harmonies, opening track The Rafters is the most lyrically beautiful track of the album and jostles in competition with slow burner Fireworks for the title of my favourite track off the album. Fireworks features rolling percussion, and then acoustic guitar that ups the tempo at just the right moments.

The composition of each song and the EP as a whole belies the band’s tender years and lack of musical experience.

The EP shows exactly why Montpelier is described as a band to watch out for. Do yourself a favour and discover them.

Read the review online here: http://www.thedwarf.com.au/nd/albumreviews/montpelier_montpelier