The band have been gaining recognition over their infectious live performances, after selling out their first headlining tour in 2023 including three consecutive nights in Manchester.
After releasing three singles throughout this year, TRP’s debut EP ‘Before It’s Gone’ has finally arrived and it radiates confidence mixed with frustration. It is a collection of six memorable indie rock tracks which are emotionally charged and energetic.
They open their EP with the previously released single ‘I’ll Be There’, which plunges in with frontman Charlie McNichol’s vocals. Accompanied by heavy drums and electrifying guitars, the lyrics explore the loyalty of doing anything for someone as the chorus repeats the phrases “I’ll be there for you in the morning/ I’ll be there for you when you’re calling” emphasising this feeling with a hint of desperation for this person.
It also comments on the idea of “Living a life for someone else’s gain” and throughout the song you can hear the anger about this. TRP typically create songs on subjects that most would shy away from as they highlight problems in society, they describe how it’s the “easy way out” to not “shout it out loud”. Despite these implications throughout, it’s a song you can’t help but move along to. With its fiery sound and catchy melody, it leaves a long lasting impression on the listener.
‘Grateful for Nothing’ was the first single TRP released back in 2023 and it blends effortlessly into their new body of work. With its upbeat rhythm and sense of optimism, it highlights to its listeners that they should follow their dreams. Inspiring them to “chase the sun” and “fight for our lives” whilst maintaining an irresistible energy throughout.
The title track cements the overall theme of this EP as it showcases the band's desires to reach their ambitions, this is clearly outlined by the line “Take your life into your own hands”. There’s an element of professionalism throughout the track as it's filled with powerful vocals and crisp guitars, showing how wise beyond their years TRP really are. This entire body of work is them evolving their craft and pursuing their dreams to live their lives on their own terms, no matter how difficult this may be. This song also mirrors the first with the line “I’ll be there” once again incorporating an element of romance into lyrics that are mainly about societal exasperation. As a listener you get an insight into this band’s own personal journey and experiences in the world, not just with their music career but with the reality and brutalness of the world. Speaking openly and honestly all through their record is definitely something they can be commended for.
Although the shortest track on the EP at just under three minutes long, ’The Thief’ definitely makes an incredible impact. From the offset it has a stronger rock sound in comparison to the rest of the EP, with aggressive guitar riffs and relentless pacing. There’s a raw intensity throughout the song which immediately seizes attention, reflecting the urgency and determination of making the most out of every moment. The premise of the track is around power imbalance and injustice, it is filled with rebellion, angst and a strong passion for change in society. Charlie’s voice booms throughout the chorus “We kick in the back entrance and it takes our liberty/ How ‘bout the money?/ Give me the money/ They took all our money”, showing their frustration with the people who are pulling the strings in the world.
‘No Place To Be’ is the perfect track to showcase TRP’s musical abilities and versatility. It experiments with a softer sound whilst still keeping their edge, these juxtaposing elements between the verses and chorus elevate their creation and as a whole it’s impressive. The insane build up during the bridge is what really makes this track stand out on the EP, as it erupts into a mesmerising guitar solo.
The EP draws to a close with a stunning acoustic rendition of ‘Better Man’. Originally released in 2023 on the project ‘An Introduction’, this fan favourite tune stripped back allows the vocal harmonies to really shine through. TRP have refined this track since the first time they performed it acoustically, almost two years ago on a Down To The Bone live session, and you can instantly hear the progress they’ve made on this re-record.
It’s evident that this band's mission is to make a statement, both lyrically and sonically and this EP perfectly encapsulates their youthful energy and drive to do so. They’ve made a consistent set of songs which showcase what they have to offer to the music industry, whilst maintaining their true selves all the way through.
The Rolling People have admirably curated a sound that you won’t be able to get enough of and this is just the beginning of their journey. They are certainly on their way to be the next big thing and their new EP does nothing but highlight their hope for this.They’re an absolute must see band and they’re playing their biggest headline gig at the end of this year at Manchester’s O2 Ritz, so don’t miss out on tickets!
Emma Turner
Image: ‘Before It’s Gone’ Official EP Cover
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