When the music scene appears to be flooded with artists focusing on style over substance, finding a young band that aren’t willing to compromise their sound in order to conform to the restraints of a particular style can prove a challenge.
It’s the rarity of such an occurrence that makes I Haven’t Got Time For Big Ideas, the debut release from Glasgow based five-piece Acrylic, such a refreshing record.
The three-track EP is a reflection of numerous influences that ultimately eludes any obvious artistic comparisons, although when looking at each song individually, some glimmers of their sources of inspiration are evident.
For instance, opening track ‘Lude’ begins in the vein of a subtle nod to Alt-J, before erupting into something else entirely, with the band taking full advantage of the instrumental to demonstrate their talent as musicians.
Then comes ‘Waiting In The Line’; an upbeat number with echoes of Bwani Junction and a foot stomping final section that will easily lend itself to great popularity when played live.
The EP concludes with ‘Big Ideas’, which with the injection of a slight element of darkness provides a contrast to the playful nature of the previous song.
The track is a complex construction of addictive indie rock riffs and thrilling dynamics infused with folk-style harmonies and poetic lyrics – all brought to life with an explosive final kick and soulful lead vocals.
The EP as a whole is a showcase of the many sides of Acrylic, and surely their key to success lies in maintaining this versatility that makes their music so exciting to listen to.
Considering that the band has only existed in its current form for just under six months, the fact that they are already in a position to release a record that establishes their sound in such a confident manner bodes well for things to come.
With a rapidly growing fan base and several gigs lined up in both Edinburgh and Glasgow in the coming months, the future is looking very bright indeed for Acrylic – all a little ironic coming from a band that claim that they haven’t got time for big ideas.
Words: Ellen Renton
