This is something of a love letter to a band I’ve adored since I was in high school, and I’ve listened to them regularly ever since. The Exies released one of the formative albums of my high school years, and even as my tastes have changed, I’ve always appreciated them. They are back with a new EP called Closure over 15 years after their last release. And you know what? Closure is amazing.
The Exies started back in 1997. They released a self-titled album in 2000 that is still really good. After that, they were picked up by a major label and released Inertia in 2003 and Head for the Door in 2004. After losing some members and the label contract, they released A Modern Way of Living With the Truth in 2007, and that was the last album they gave us. Scott Stevens, vocalist and guitarist, went on to write some big songs for other bands, like Shinedown and Theory of a Deadman, so he’s done well. But The Exies is his true heart, I think. On Closure, Scott is joined once again by Freddy Herrera on bass and Chris Skane on lead guitar.
Inertia was my first contact with the band. I loved the short and wild song “My Goddess” and the still-cool video, so I bought the CD. I listened to that album constantly for years. Head for the Door might be the better album of the two, though, with a sheer barrage of amazing hooks. Modern Way is a good album, too, though I’ve never liked it quite as much as the others, I’ll admit. Still, looking back, it’s obvious that Scott has a gift for writing hyper-addictive hooks.
The band plays alternative rock/metal. I’ve always thought that they were too heavy for pop rock, like the Goo Goo Dolls, but too pop-oriented and Beatles-influenced for the alt or nu-metal scene. They did tour with plenty of post-grunge and alternative metal bands, but their sound has always been more nuanced, and their lyrics have always been more poetic and interesting. Even when I was a teen, I wondered if they would make it because of not fitting into any specific genre label.
I’ve just always liked the band. Scott has the ability to lay down both silky smooth and razor-edged, raw vocals. He has one of those voices that is instantly recognizable for me. So, the band was able to offer heavier tunes, but also quieter, more interesting songs and ballads. I think that’s one reason I was drawn to them. Songs like “Genius” or “Creeper Kamikaze” on Inertia spoke to me in ways I’d never heard.
The band never really called it quits. They just sort of stopped making music. Honestly, I never thought we’d hear from them again. Then Scott dropped “Spirits High” last year, and it sounded like the band had never missed a step. The new Closure EP is a six-song release that is damn close to being a full album, honestly. It has the same mix of raw energy and subtle poetry that made me fall for them in the first place.
The first half of the EP has the three singles. “For What It’s Worth” is driving and meaningful, “Spirits High” is sad and yet uplifting, and “s.A.D.” is a slow-burning piece with a terrific climax—one of my favorites. All three songs have wonderful vocals that reflect the overall message of the EP, and all three are supremely catchy. This is a band who never quite broke through, and here they are over 15 years later, contemplating that era of their lives. I can relate to the feelings of lost opportunity, broken dreams, and stifling failure that are often connected directly to feelings of hard-won joy, mature understanding, and sheer thankfulness. You see, sometimes things fail, and even though our dreams fell to pieces, those things had to fail in order for our current happiness and values to be achieved.
I personally thought I was going to be a teacher among other things, but, looking back, I’m glad those things never came to fruition. Yet, I’m still thankful for the brushes with the dream I had, and I can see all of that now as an older and wiser person. And so, that feels like closure, if only we can reach out and grasp it. Music like this helps us do just that.
The second half of the EP continues this theme. “Euphoria” leans into their post-grunge side, and I love to hear Scott singing like this after all these years. “The Hill” has such a cool, plodding gait, and I like how that transitions to melodic, driving guitars. The final piece is my favorite overall. “Closure” is such a potent piece with its heartfelt vocals, sad and happy lyrics, and nostalgic, classic The Exies chorus. It’s like one last gift from the band, even though I don’t know if we’ll hear more from them or not. If not, this EP will help close so many doors of emotion within the hearts of their fans, though our love for their music will never die.
Look, I understand that I normally cover more complicated music than this, but The Exies were one of my favorites years ago, and I will always listen to them. I love the heart in their sound. I love the poetry and now wisdom within their lyrics. I love the balance between soulfulness and youthful vigor. This is a band who deserved more, but you won’t see me opining their downfall because, as Closure proves, they have moved on and found their happiness.
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Find The Exies online:
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