Album Review: Story Books - From Post To Post

The funny thing about Kent five-piece Story Books is that is feels like they already have a huge back catalogue behind them. In reality, "From Post To Post" marks only the second EP from the band in as many years, building on the momentum gained by "Too Much A Hunter" released in April last year, and with only a handful of single releases joining the two together.

Interesting then to think about exactly why Story Books feel grander, and more accomplished in their musical endeavours than many other bands who are on a similar path. Let's break it down; the guys have supported some of the finest recording artists the UK has to offer including Bloc Party, King Krule and The Rolling Stones (yes, the Rolling Stones), they've been championed by the biggest names in radio with the likes of Zane Lowe, Huw Stephens, Phil and Alice and XFM hopping on the hype train, played some of the most prestigious and highly regarded festivals in the world with stage time at The Great Escape, SXSW, Bestival and T in the Park, oh, and they're all set to embark on their own headline tour of the UK. Pretty big accolades all things considered.

But all these things mean squat if your music ain't good, which makes it a huge relief that "From Post To Post" is one of the most refreshing and satisfying indie releases of the year. EP opener and most recent single 'Floating Arks' ebbs and flows through the ultimately futile pursuit of happiness in life and love. There's an undercurrent of restlessness running throughout the entire EP that speaks to the hardships of youth culture and young adulthood, feeling wholeheartedly genuine coming from singer Kristofer Harris' melodious tones.

Follow up track 'Damage' is more in tune with the likes of 'Peregrine' and 'Simple Kids' as far as musicality is concerned - more downbeat, more ponderous but at no point monotonous, the slow and deliberate continuous build up is a real ear pleaser. Second of the new tracks is piano driven 'To Be Good' which throws its hat in ring for most quintessentially upbeat track on the EP. A driving drum beat carries the song from verse to chorus to and home again with boundless energy that makes it very easy to see why they've attracted so much attention amongst the tastemaking elite.

Closing off the four-track release is 'White Maid' that we featured way back when in December. A slow builder that is an ideal close to the EP, check out the post if you'd like to get a better insight into the song itself.

If you like your indie downbeat and with a hint of pessimism there's definitely something to enjoy within the confines of these four tracks. But "From Post To Post" isn't just about that, there's a warm encouragement that we're not alone - a reassuring melancholy will undoubtedly strike a chord with scores of new fans while keeping old timers more than satisfied. Here's to a good year and a début album that will certainly gain Story Books a foothold in the indie elite, whenever it decides to arrive.