Review Summary: A slightly more evolved continuation of Symphony Soldier with just enough change to keep it fresh
It's certainly been a wild past few years for The Cab. They emerged from the underground with their debut Whisper War. They then ditched their old record label and their poppy guitar/piano driven sound for a more dynamic approach using strings, better piano, and a lyrical upgrade for their sophomore effort Symphony Soldier, and to top it all off, guitarist Alex Marshall announced his departure from the group. However, none of this stopped them from pushing forward and becoming a stronger band. In April the band teased a new single on their Instagram account and on April 28th Lock Me Up was released.
It seems like The Cab are trying to expand on their Symphony Soldier sound while still expanding into new genres. Lock Me Up features the same strings and piano as most tracks on Symphony Soldier but uses more bass, guitar, and stronger vocals on the chorus. Moon is an elctro-pop rock song (if such a thing exists) that shows off Briggs' drum work. Not the most heartfelt song The Cab has written but still a fun listen with an awesome chorus and a danceable drum beat Numbers is a pseudo slow song the musicly isn't impressive but it isn't bad. The lyrics can come off as cheesy but that's really the only bad thing to be said for it. Stand Up is probably the most honest song lyrically that the EP has to offer with lines like "The paper and pen were my two best friends because the said songs understood me." Maintaining their urban pop/R&B sound through a fast paced chorus keeps the song alive and soaring as it blends into the final track: These Are The Lies. These Are The Lies goes back to the electronic effects that have been so common on this album. The highest point of the whole EP is this song's bridge. Every aspect on the record come together under the line "Because the truth is I'm about to lose it, Don't think I can do this if I'm not with you"
All things considered this was a great EP. It took every aspect of music and played their strengths high and hid their weaknesses. There are no filler tracks as each song introduces something new and unique while still managing to flow, highlighting the relevancy of each song. As members of The Cab become more aware of who they are as musicians their sound becomes stronger and more confident. They still have a long way to go before they master their sound but they are defiantly headed in the right direction.
Recommended: Lock Me Up, These Are The Lies
