April 21st, 2011 
James Shotwell 
Artist: The Body Rampant
Album: Transient Years
Genre: Alternative indie rock
Label: Unsigned
The Body Rampant have put together a snappy, decently assorted EP in Transient Years, mixing a few oddball tendencies with straightforward poptastic jams to ensure that they remain stealthily on your radar for the future. It’s a nice little package that doesn’t outstay its welcome, and hints at much promise to come.
“Sativa” wastes no time and cuts straight to the visceral point. Starting as it means to go on, it’s brash, loud, and in your face and makes a swift point. The verses are intercut with some strangely psychedelic solos which add some colour and vivacity to the mix. While the harmonies don’t always work, especially as the song progresses and the elements swell to innumerable levels (pulsating guitars mixed with incongruous solos), it pauses for breath often enough to ensure it doesn’t become quite OTT. At four minutes long, it could probably have been trimmed to make a more effective opener, but it will grab your attention.
What’s more striking about this EP are the unusual song titles. “Artax Please!” for instance immediately implies Artax the horse from the “Neverending Story,” yet the song somehow deviates from tales of woe in the Swamp of Sadness. It is groovy and exciting though – an emphatic opening descends markedly into muted vocals and a touch of techno programming. It feels a little more elusive and mysterious, vested with a spunky, rhythmic beat. It merges the best of both elements for the chorus, which sways to an asymmetrical beat and meanders vocally. There’s a nice set of guitar histrionics to usher in the next section, as some layered screaming lends a touch of anguished reflection to the lyrics.
Twinkling sentimentally, “Indica” is another sullen effort. It opens a little dully by comparison with the others, taking one stylistic riff and rolling with it, allowing for more emphasis on the vocals. The music remains muted during the chorus to allow them to take centre stage – though it is a little disappointing and feels quite murky and predictable. The beat trudges along, interrupting the momentum of the singing. The one touch of innovation comes in the form of some synth accompaniments for the final minute, but it’s still something of an anticlimax after the first two and fades out inconsequentially.
Happily, the guitars make a welcome return to broodingly heavy in “Midwest Mistrust.” It opens strongly with some unrestrained bombast, then peels back into a groovier, almost Enter Shikari-style swagger. This in turn fades as the song takes a sadder, slightly more hollow perspective – the vocals soaring and the music dulling in the build up to the chorus. A resurgent solo then compels an energetic conclusion, with the triumphant guitar insistently offsetting the pained call of the lyrics.
“Living In Spurts” is a fine example of the band’s neat mixing of elements. There are little asides and flourishes everywhere which adds a certain je ne sais quoi, indeed, almost a kind of theatricality to proceedings. The rogue synth undertones are vibrant and alluring, while the guitars grapple furiously with the sound. The unexpected appearance of some earnest group vocals makes for an invigorating embellishment, and even if the end section does feel a bit like Cobra Starship fell over their mixing station, it’s still all good.
At risk of sounding churlish, “Simply Don’t Argue” is almost too dull a name after all of the above. Mind, given this song strips itself back entirely and goes in favour of simplicity, it’s almost fitting. Having exhausted their wayward sensibilities with the other songs, the band take a light and straightforward approach to the final track. Jettisoning the more thunderous elements, they construct a poppy, almost contemplative song that aims for nothing more than soothing clarity. There are some lovely harmonies near the end, which flesh out the basics and add some depth and focus. The singing also feels more serious and concerted, complementing tone and tempo well and providing a sharp and accomplished finale.
The only real problem with this EP then, is that it finishes almost abruptly. The six songs all endear in their own measure, and provide enough evidence of talent and merit to ensure the name shadn’t be forgotten. A worthy listen that ought to pique appetites for what lies ahead, Transient Years is fresh, inviting, and an excellent first step for the band.
Score: 8/10
Review written by: Grace Duffy
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