Hailing from Indiana, Metavari create glistening instrumental tracks using both analogue and digital elements. The digital processing is subtle, allowing the vintage Fender Rhodes electric piano, drums, bass and guitar to take centre stage in the tracks. The band’s debut release Ambling is an emotionally uplifting experience that also generates a warm and comforting presence. At times poppy and other times focused on the rock side of their sound, Ambling is a merger between both genres, resulting in incredibly sweet melodies and textures that compliment one another perfectly.

At only 4 tracks long, the EP certainly showcases the band’s staying power - each track is an absolute pleasure to listen to. The multi-layered song structures are relatively simple in form yet still manage to leave a lasting impression. While the same instruments are used in each track Metavari brings a different sound to each piece, giving the album consistency and variety at the same time.

With such a solid first effort the future for Metavari looks very promising indeed. Their contagious upbeat sound is set to continue with their next work titled ...And the way they feel, due for release within the next few months. It is a live set recorded in February which saw the band covering The Beach Boys album Pet Sounds as they played their music over the original vocals. The album will be a free digital download when it becomes available, so keep an eye on the website.

-Leanne Simpson