Review by Dom Vigil
The most difficult thing about creating an acoustic rendition of any song is that for the most part, listeners know what to expect – a simplified, stripped down version of a song that they already enjoy. Thankfully, The World Over are are breaking the mold and challenging everything you think you might know about acoustic EPs with their newest release, Ventifact. The fan-inspired EP is a mirror image of their 2016 release, Mountains, but with a twist. These acoustic tracks, while definitely stripped down compared to their original counterparts, are nowhere near simplified. Instead, The World Over have managed to create a complex musical landscape while further exploring five songs that their fans have already grown to know and love.
While Mountains is carried by a very high energy guitar and bass driven sound, Ventifact strips the songs down to their core strengths and simply amplifies them. For instance, the opening track, “Traitor” still hosts quite a bit of energy, but the vocal work is significantly softer than the more intense original version. This helps to really highlight vocalist Tiaday Ball’s impressive range, from her softer highs to the gritty deeper notes.
None of the songs on Ventifact feel like simple acoustic track. Instead, this stunning EP is carried by complex, rich guitar work, strong but not overpowering rhythm and powerful vocals. The emotional middle point, “Let Go” finds The World Over at their best. Vocally, this is where Ball shines, from her beautiful highs to commanding lows. Meanwhile, the sweeping guitar work maintains quite a bit of energy, carrying the song forward into the intense “Invisible,” which proves that the band is anything but.
Bringing the EP to a perfect close is the final track, “Mountains,” which serves as a cumulation of the band’s strengths. Powerful and emotive vocals spearhead the song while complex guitar work and strong bass back things up. As a whole, Ventifact will provide listeners with stunning alternative versions to songs that they’ve grown to love, all while proving that The World Over are capable of practically anything.
LISTEN TO: “Let Go”
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