Introducing: Layers

Birmingham-based Layers have built a name for themselves over the past twelve months. Recognised for their passionate live shows filled with energetic on-stage antics, they’re now preparing to unleash their debut self-titled EP this September.

Taking inspiration from the likes of British cult-rockers Reuben and rock behemoths like Faith No More and Incubus, Layers have a soulful twist. “As a band I think we’re pretty organic to be honest,” guitarist James Thompson explained to us. “We know what we like the sound of and have fun with it.”

The result successfully separates them from the crowd, while still following a melody driven formula. It’s punchy where it needs to be, but the energy is firmly in the melody – this is a deliberately clean sound. “We like vocal harmonies, big hooks and groove,” Thompson continues. “It excites us when writing, but at the same time we aren’t scared to shake it up a bit.” Considering the way the band came together, shaking it up was always on the cards.

“We had all shared a stage with or watched each other’s previous bands, and already kind of had an insight into what each person was like,” Thompson recalls when we ask how they got together.

Picked out of various bands around the Birmingham scene, each member brings a definitive style to the table. With bassist Nick Ebanks moving in from a math-rock background, Thompson joining via a predominately punk and metal scene and drummer Elliot Vaughn’s pop-punk persuasion, their music was always going to be a little different.

‘Corners’ does not appear on the band’s debut EP.

It’s their live shows that are really getting Layers noticed. Boasting a performance at this year’s Alternative Escape, alongside shows with contemporaries Straight Lines, Exit International and Scholars, they are clearly aligning themselves with other melody focussed bands. This exposure has also led to career highlights like performing with Everclear, and being hand-picked to support Hundred Reasons.

“The Everclear support at the Birmingham O2 Academy 2 was pretty amazing,” Thompson reminisces. “It was our first time on a big stage, playing to a packed out room, and we were in our element. Lance nailed a backflip then jumped into the crowd. I think it surprised a few unaware people.”

Layers are all about the live performance. As well as boosting exposure and getting them some impressive support slots, being on stage is also an opportunity to let loose and get their personalities across. “When we play live we just want the crowd to have as much fun as we are having playing,” says Thompson, like it’s their mission statement.

With the EP set to drop on the 16th September through new label To Deaf Do Us Party, the wait for the release date is proving tough. “It’s taking some serious patience,” Thompson confesses, “[but] at the same time we want to make sure that we are making the most of the release, and trying to get some cool shows in place to coincide with it.”

It’s a testament to the band’s work ethic. Rather than simply recording and releasing their new material, there are clear business decisions being made. With shows already planned at the Birmingham Academy and at London’s famous Old Blue Last, they’re trying their best to increase the record’s exposure.

The self-titled EP is a result of their honest hard work, self-recorded and mastered themselves. “All the songs were demoed months in advance”, Thompson explains, indicative of their meticulous planning and dedication. “It was a case of making everything sound the best it could. Elliot [Vaughn], our drummer, works hard on all the mixes and we all pitch in with production.”

Layers even brought in their friends for the recording process, with some of them providing strings for the beautifully crafted track ‘Gradually’. Their own blood, sweat and tears have gone into this.

“It will definitely be cool to see what everyone thinks of the EP when it’s released in September”, Thompson concludes, “We can’t wait for people to hear it, so when we play shows people can sing along with us and really feel part of the live experience.”

In the meantime they seem to be on the right track. Their commitment is already getting them noticed, and some are describing their live performances as unmissable. Roll on September.

For more on Layers check out their Facebook and official website.

BEN TIPPLE