One thing we have to praise Alexander Mountain for, is his ability to conceive a ‘concept EP’, if you will. Rather than sticking to a single-to-single format, the British troubadour writes a series of consequential songs, all interlaced into wider storytelling. Paying homage to the complicated and painful period that follows a romantic break-up, Mountain establishes a precise lyrical path that takes the listeners on their toes – and their attention high for the whole duration of the record.
‘A House, Not a Home’ is exactly that: a detailed, diverse look into the resilience needed to get over a broken relationship. Alexander does that by delving into acoustic-powered songwriting, carefully layered textures, and his own evocative vocals, truly elegant and soulful. Introduced by ‘Why’, the EP starts off by showcasing the doubts about whether the break-up was the right decision – something that we’ll expect many listeners to relate to.
‘Sides’ focuses on the ‘anger’ stage, when melancholia has left space for the final reckoning. Here, we catch a glimpse of Mountain’s catchy and poignant lyrical flair, still built on minimal instrumental settings. From here on, it’s a fierce journey to an honest resolution. As the Eastbourne-based creative explains: “‘A House, Not a Home’ reveals the power of allowing the other person to change for the better, even if it means moving on without them.”
Recommended! Discover ‘A House, Not a Home’ on Spotify: