Stephen Light - Sunscraper

Stephen Light

Sunscraper
self-released; 2014

3.5 out of 5

By Ted Rogen

Stephen Light is a singer/songwriter from Caerleon, Wales who recently released a four-song EP entitled Sunscraper. The music he writes on this EP is an eclectic blend of rock that spans from psychedelia to folk-rock and a couple of places in between. You can make comparisons to bands like Pavement, Tame Impala, Flaming Lips and even a band like U2. 

This is an album that at its heart revolves around Light’s vocals and guitars. Light treats his vocals with care throughout the album. He strategically adds vocal harmonies to accentuate certain parts, filters his voice when needed and also changes his delivery as needed.

Light kicks off with a catchy song entitled “Cable Car” that combines fuzzy Pavement-esque guitars with drums, bass and synths. I thoroughly enjoyed the way the difference in the way his vocals sounded throughout the song. When he sings, “I don’t know, I don't know” it has a number of overdubs but also sounds soft and light as if he is whispering. It switches to a single track vocal when he sings, “One kind of world kicks their shoes off.” Overall this track is not unlike something you would hear from Stephen Malkmus.

Light’s vocal delivery on “Strange Friend” sounded a bit similar to Bono. The music is bit more psychedelic than something you would hear from U2 as Light implements flange and wah-like effects throughout the song. “The Moth” is a fairly straightforward rock song that again displays Light’s ability to craft an interesting vocal performance. It is an overall solid song that feels immediate and visceral.

Light closes with the highlight of the EP “St. Florence.” The guitar are clean and hypnotic as Light delivers his most infectious vocal melodies. Light creates a lush landscape that tips its hat to ‘60s folk and also displays some of his restraint.

Sunscraper is a well-written EP that displays Light’s talents. It felt a bit like an appetizer so I am eagerly awaiting to hear what else he has in store for us.