In a time when much of the musical landscape is shaped by algorithms and attention spans are fleeting, The Concierge offer something deeply human and refreshingly deliberate with their debut EP, Check In. This London-based trio: Duncan Haslam, Phil Joyce, and Robert Melkumyan have turned long-distance collaboration, bedroom setups, and a shared hunger for expressive, intelligent pop-rock into an EP that’s both emotionally resonant and sonically vibrant.
Check In is rooted in contrast: it’s richly layered yet organically produced, nostalgic yet undeniably modern. Influences like Steely Dan, Radiohead, Honne, and Tears for Fears are detectable throughout, but the band never leans too heavily on any single lineage. Instead, they blend elements of alternative pop, indie rock, and synth-laced textures into something uniquely their own. What really stands out is their craftsmanship, these are songs that sound like they’ve been lived in, labored over, and finally, set free.
At the heart of the EP are two emotional anchors. “Others Do” is a gentle call to arms for those struggling to rejoin the world after the isolations of recent years. There’s no preachiness here, just empathetic songwriting wrapped in glistening guitar work and subtle grooves. It’s about taking small steps and recognizing the courage in everyday acts. “Movie,” by contrast, takes on a heavier tone, confronting the surreal absurdity of political life with raw energy and one of the EP’s most powerful guitar solos. It’s a cathartic moment that manages to cut through noise, both figuratively and sonically.
One of the most compelling aspects of Check In is how its DIY spirit actually enhances its creative identity. These songs weren’t born in a slick studio but in spare rooms across London, crafted around day jobs and 90-minute commutes. That intimacy seeps into the music. The band embraced the constraints of home recording, using digital drums, unconventional guitar slides, and rich layering to build tracks that are both technically detailed and emotionally textured. The atmospheric shimmer on “Yesterday’s News” and the rhythmic playfulness of “Mad About You” are proof that limitations often push creativity further.
Beyond the music itself, there’s a compelling narrative at play. This EP is a product of discovery, both in sound and in partnership. The story of Phil and Duncan finding their missing piece in Robert through a musician matchmaking site could’ve been a gimmick, but instead it’s a testament to how openness and persistence can lead to artistic clarity. Their chemistry is palpable, each bringing distinct ideas and influences to the table to form a whole greater than the sum of its parts.
Live, The Concierge are beginning to gain serious traction, recent shows in London have drawn impressive crowds, and their upcoming performance for War Child, to be professionally recorded, marks an exciting step into the broader public eye. It’s clear that what began as a quiet bedroom project now has the momentum to make a real impact.
What makes Check In so noteworthy isn’t just its polish or emotional scope, but its sense of purpose. It’s a debut that feels like a firm handshake, a confident hello from a band with plenty more to say. And with their next EP, Check-Out, already in the works, it’s safe to say The Concierge aren’t just dropping in, they’re here to stay.
So check in. Take the key. And let The Concierge guide you into a space where intelligent songwriting, emotional depth, and sonic finesse come together in beautiful harmony!
