7/10

Emerging from the quiet chaos of a pandemic, The Way After deliver a debut that feels both intimate and timeless with 'Still To Breathe'. Clocking in at six tracks, this “bonus album” offers a delicate, reflective glimpse of a band reconnecting with both each other and the very act of storytelling through music. Tim O’Connor’s songwriting sits at the heart of the trio, weaving contemplative lyrics with melodic structures that nod to the warmth of 60s harmonies, yet remain grounded in modern sensibilities.

From the outset, 'Still To Breathe' demonstrates a thoughtful embrace of memory and perception. Tracks such as the gently rippling opener 'Its The Right Time But The Right Time Only' explore how past experiences ripple into the present, while the arrangements give each song room to breathe. James Houston’s guitar work and Dave Houston’s understated percussion form a subtle, emotive foundation, allowing the melodies to shine with clarity and grace.

What sets this collection apart is its vulnerability. The Way After avoid the trappings of overproduction, instead opting for a DIY aesthetic that only heightens the sincerity of the performances. There’s a tactile quality to the recordings, a sense that we are stepping into the same Coventry living room where these songs were born. Moments of quiet reflection alternate with swells of melodic optimism, creating an ebb and flow that feels organic rather than calculated.

'Still To Breathe' serves as both a prelude and a promise. The collection hints at the full-length debut to come, offering early glimpses of the band’s capacity for storytelling, nuance, and emotional resonance. Fans of classic-influenced indie-rock such as Elliott Smith, REM, and The Stone Roses will find something familiar yet strikingly fresh here. It’s a tender, evocative introduction to a band poised to carry their own voice into the wider indie landscape, balancing nostalgia with forward-looking ambition.

With its thoughtful lyricism, intricate harmonies, and understated production, 'Still To Breathe' is a declaration that The Way After have arrived, ready to leave a mark on listeners willing to pause, reflect, and, above all, feel.