Indie Rock from Adam Staple

Adam Staple is a veteran of the Newfoundland indie rock scene, now returning with his sophomore solo EP titled Quiet Part Loud. Following his debut EP, SuperAntiHero, in 2021, Staple presents another 7-track journey that dices into his experiences with mental health issues, such as panic disorder, agoraphobia and depression. Framed by an alternative glance at indie rock, the EP draws inspiration from diverse influences like Spoon, Peter Gabriel, Art Blakey, Nilüfer Yanya, The Damned and Newfoundland traditional music, resulting in a captivating and deeply personal musical exploration.

In Quiet Part Loud, Adam Staple showcases his talents as a multi-instrumentalist and songwriter, having performed, produced and written all the songs on the EP, with the exception of a the cover of Blondie’s “Rapture.” The record also features guest appearances from Kelly Russell, Kelly-Ann Evans and Jayne Batstone, adding further layers to the sonic tapestry with the featured artists each bringing their own sonic flair to Adam’s compositions.

The title track, “Quiet Part Loud,” sets the tone for the EP, immediately drawing listeners in with its upbeat indie rock groove. With a dynamic rhythm in 7/4 time, gentle drumming drives the track as softly twanging guitar tones deliver subtly grooving riffs. Staple’s smooth and expressive vocals take flight, carrying memorable melodic leads that soar above the instrumentation. The song is an excellent introduction to Staple’s signature sound and lyrical themes, inviting listeners to immerse themselves fully in the musical adventure.

In “Vegas Moment,” Staple crafts a laid-back lo-fi atmosphere, featuring a stunning duet with the alluring vocals of Kelly-Ann Evans. The track’s intricate snapping beat, warm bass tones and elegant instrumentation create a heartwarming ambiance. As the song progresses, it builds with the addition of crunching guitar riffs and a rising drumbeat, culminating in an epic and subtly rousing finale.

“Rapture,” featuring Kelly Russell, takes the listener on a grooving rock journey with psychedelic undertones. The snapping beat injects infectious rhythm, while contrasting guitar tones collide to create an engaging backdrop. Staple’s compelling vocals narrate the moody art rock sound, complemented by the mesmerising fiddle and mandolin flourishes provided by Kelly Russell.

In “Michael Myers,” Staple serves up a driving power-pop anthem that cleverly personifies struggles with mental illness as an abstract character. Wrapped in a swaggering indie rock atmosphere, the track highlights Staple’s talent for crafting engaging and thought-provoking compositions that resonate deeply with the listener. The EP reaches its conclusion with “Haves and Have Nots,” an atmospheric rock track that features clean guitar tone strums, backed by a pulsing bassline, providing a haunting backdrop for Staple’s superb vocals, which are lifted above the arrangement through intricate processing to provide a fitting conclusion to his sensational second outing.

Listen to Quiet Part Loud below