With a DIY spirit that feels refreshingly unrefined, The Pavilion’s new EP “Faces In The Crowd” is gritty, raw, and exactly what indie music fans have been craving: an honest, authentic collection of songs that wears its heart firmly on its sleeve.
Taking inspiration from classic indie favorites like Overpass and Catfish and the Bottlemen, The Pavilion sits comfortably within the modern indie rock landscape. However, where some of their peers opt for polished perfection, The Pavilion embraces rough edges, and it’s precisely this lack of gloss that makes their music feel so alive.
The EP opens with a captivating introduction in “Tomorrow’s Dead.” Beginning with mellow, shoegaze-tinged guitar that recalls the dreamy calm of “Current Joys,” the track quickly shifts gears. Just a minute in, the band fully embrace their indie-rock influences, with frontman Rhys Smedley’s vocals becoming punchy yet yearning, carried by heavy guitar riffs that form a powerful foundation.
“Against The Tide” follows a similar trajectory, starting gently before erupting into something far more impassioned. “Take no time to breathe ‘cause it hurts sometimes when you try to reside in the things you know you gotta leave behind,” Smedley reflects. As the track builds, gripping guitar hooks and lively drumming propel the chorus forward, culminating in the repeated cry, “I’m fighting hard against the tide.” It’s a moment that perfectly captures the EP’s emotional core.
Closing the EP is “Pass Time,” a song that highlights the true beauty of a young band finding its feet. There’s no overworked production or recycled ideas here, just authenticity. Starting with a tranquil first verse, the track blossoms into something reminiscent of The Night Café, thanks to Smedley’s vocals and fresh, addictive guitar hooks. It’s a fitting end to an EP rooted in sincerity.
With the year drawing to a close, The Pavilion are firmly focused on what’s next. Meet the independent indie-rockers embracing change and riding the grassroots scene, and keep an eye on The Pavilion as they continue to make their mark on stages across the UK.
“Faces In The Crowd” is in stores now.
