Whilst the follow up to the extraordinary ‘Why Aren’t I Home?’ is just round the corner in the form of ‘Who You Are Is Not Enough,’ New Jersey’s Athletics have treated fans to this haunting collection of songs, ‘Stop Torturing Yourself.’ Although for some the idea of the band revisiting four tracks from ‘Why Aren’t I Home?’ and re-recording maybe frustrating, even pointless. However much like the full-length, the stripped down, piano-based tracks like ‘Speaking For Everyone’ and ‘Fairview’ are intensely atmospheric yet beautifully compelling.

Nevertheless the bands heartfelt emotion is furthered by the delicate piano keys and adds a sense of desperation, especially on ‘Jordan’ where you can hear the geniune sincerity and pain in Garrett Yaeger’s voice. 

<a href=“http://deepelmdigital.com/album/stop-torturing-yourself” data-mce-href=“http://deepelmdigital.com/album/stop-torturing-yourself”>Stop Torturing Yourself by Athletics</a>

Although ‘Stop Torturing Yourself’ has the ability to keep your attention and pulls off the re-worked in good conviction, for new listeners it only scratches as the surface of the bands powerful, compelling sound; a post-rock tour de force with an incredible impact and musical depth.

Overall it’s an appreciative stop-gap but not the most ideal introduction to Athletics. 

3/5

‘Stop Torturing Yourself’ by Athletics is available now on Deep Elm Records.

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Words by Sean Reid (@SeanReid86)