EP Review: Ferris & Sylvester - 'I Should Be On A Train'
Ferris & Sylvester reflect on where they are, and show their potential destination, on their ‘I Should be on a Train’ EP.
Issy Ferris & Archie Sylvester have always captured a sound that blends Americana, blues and folk. These five tracks continue in the same vein, fusing lockdown-inspired ideas with studio recordings of highlights from their live shows.
Their EP opens with the title track, a haunting blues ballad which adds to their catalogue of gorgeous harmonies. The timeless conflict between leaving and going is brought to life through Issy’s vocals.
Next stop ‘Knock You Down’ is a restrained fightback against the machine. Citing children, Vikings and shapes, Issy motions “Don’t let the system knock you down, don’t let the people throw you out” in an ultimately uplifting way.
Released earlier this year, ‘Everyone Is Home’ is a timeless representation of the way lockdown lives were lived. An ode to loneliness and resilience, it oozes the Streatham’s duo’s usual heart and spirit.
The epic rock track ‘Good Man’ was a staple during their shows last year. It retains that energy on record, and adds strings strongly influenced by Ravi Shankar. They’re no distraction from the great song beneath, something to embrace as a studio rendition as much as a live experience.
Their version of ‘With a Little Help from My Friends’, which rounds off the EP, shows they can twist anything into their distinctive style. The appeal of The Beatles’ studio period is no surprise, with live shows halted, and this EP has a psychedelic influence throughout. It’s the first time Ferris & Sylvester have released a cover – with such strong songwriting, they haven’t needed to.
Ferris & Sylvester have made the most of 2020’s unusual situation with this EP, that seems to show the softer side of the duo, while also reflecting their great live sound. It’s a showcase of where they can go, with or without public transport.
Words by Samuel Draper