A fresh EP from Joey Collins brings on some grungy 90's rock tonality along with and edgy alternative feel complete with passionate vocal performances and massive distorted soundscapes.
The Past Is A Foreign Place EP or "EP IV" as it's also called, is a massive and explosive array of fuzztone rock with anthemic styles and a gigantic atmosphere.
Songs have a cinematic vibe to them at times and can swell from mellow to crashing into heavy handed choruses with melodic screaming in seconds flat.
This was an escape from reality for us. The record takes you into a personal place for Collins and from the first track, you're in for the ride.
The EP is connective almost like a concept record would be and they flow around you giving them the ability to wash you away.
One of the great things about this EP is that you really don't know what to expect next other than that its going to be deepening and really good.
Some songs have a soft but brutally honest style as lyrics are very up front and talk of things people mostly feel but never talk about.
Maybe that's part of why this EP is so addicting. It's straight forward and brave honesty.
Either way the record has a set of emotions that play out through out its 7 song course.
This is a lot to soak in but well worth the soaking.
Come get engulfed with this release as that what it's clearly meant for.
With such an in depth and massive release, we wanted to talk shop with Joey to find out where this actually came from and what may be next for him.
Buzz Slayers: So let's start with The Past Is A Foreign Place EP. This record has a massive soundscape that really blends indie folk rock and classic rock along with passionate vocals. Where did this record come from?
So this EP spans over a few years. When I finished university in 2018, I moved back to my mum’s house and ended up feeling quite existential. Songs such as London Town, The Abyss, Sober and Family were written 2018-2019 and I revisited them for this EP.
Buzz Slayers: Upon listening all the way though, this album feels like a concept record. Is that right?
Absolutely! As I say, a lot of these songs are from my past. So there’s a slight alienation yet familiarity at the same time when working on them. It brings back some tough memories, but also reflects on how far I’ve come in a few years of working on myself.
Buzz Slayers: I am hearing some different and alluring musical styles on this. Who are some of your biggest musical influences?
John Frusciante, Elliott Smith, Jeff Buckley, Queens of the Stone Age and 90s Grunge. Buzz Slayers: So, how did all of this start for you?
I guess I started taking songwriting seriously when I was around 17. I had an alt rock band called Saturn Ascend, based in the East Midlands. We gigged a lot in Derby and Nottingham, wrote an album’s worth of material and then all went to uni in different parts of the UK. That’s when I started my solo stuff and just stuck with it ever since. Buzz Slayers: What's next for you as an artist? Anything new in the works even now?
I’ve already got EP 5 being made. As soon as one project finished, another starts! I’m hoping to release my debut album over the next couple of years also. Buzz Slayers: What are you performing on this single aside from vocals and guitars?
I usually perform all the parts to most of the songs. The only instrument I tend to leave to someone else is the drums as I can’t play them to save my life haha! Occasionally I’ll get a friend to play bass or piano. Buzz Slayers: How do you write your songs? Is it lyrics first or music? How does it work for you?
These days I’d say music first and then lyrics. However it’s not always the case. Buzz Slayers: Do you produce your own stuff?
I do yes, I have my home recording studio which I practically live in. Buzz Slayers: What are you doing when you're NOT working on music?
Usually gigging, watching live shows or going to the gym. Buzz Slayers: Who are you listening to right now?
Warpaint, David Keenan, Sam Fender, Noah Gundersen, Red Hot Chili Peppers and more… Buzz Slayers: Are you putting any thought to live performances anytime soon?
Yeah I perform every week. I just did a full band headline show at The Bodega in my hometown of Nottingham, so I’ll be waiting a little while until announcing another headline. Buzz Slayers: Before we go, what would you like to say to fans of the music?
Thank you for sticking with me and supporting independent music! Hopefully I’ll see you at a show soon.
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