THE concept of a ‘big’ or ‘grand’ sound can regularly be off-putting to the conscientious music fan, regularly deemed as an indication of a group that are pandering to the mainstream and seek the approval of the masses to a frustrating extent.

Luckily; when it’s done well and demonstrates true originality, it can win over anyone.

This is most definitely the case when it comes to Glasgow’s Nieves; an ingenious four piece that have painstakingly crafted truly emotive and stirring music that simultaneously uplifts and regularly yanks at the heartstrings.

Opening with little more than poignant piano and the resonant vocals of Brendan Dafters, ‘The Knot’ is a touching track that is laden with Arcade Fire style atmospherics and stadium sized percussion. Detailing both the genesis and aftermath of a tempestuous relationship, this tracks sets an ongoing trend for the EP which proves once and for all that the band are incredibly accomplished in the realm of lyricism.

Spinning yarns in a manner that hasn’t been seen in Scottish music since Frightened Rabbit’s ‘Poke’ or ‘Keep Yourself Warm’, the tense alt-rock that bubbles underneath its lavish piano emphasises all of the track’s amazing attributes.

Journeying brazenly towards the territory of bands such as Of Monsters And Men and Young The Giant, ‘Legs And Arms’ astutely examines issues of morality, heartbreak and despair. Implanting what comes across as a genuine sense of confounding anguish thanks to spiraling piano lines and sedated yet passively aggressive guitar.

Their penchant for thunderous percussion rears it head once again on ‘Empty Book’, a track which utilises repetitive and protruding piano to dizzying effect. Dealing with a myriad of complex issues including the burden of expectation and the deeply detrimental effects of self loathing, the track builds to a heart-stopping crescendo thanks to a lengthy build up and a powerful final rendition of its chorus.

Rounding off the EP in profound fashion, ‘Black Tie’ makes for a truly extraordinary listen. Told from the perspective of the oldest son of a man who is facing his demise and is torn by the onus of responsibility, its swelling and entirely transfixing arrangement accentuates the intense feelings of sorrow that are at its epicenter. Getting to the root of the thoughts and feelings that would be entangled with such a heart-achingly difficult quandary, ‘Black Tie’ encapsulates everything that makes Nieves so spellbinding and remarkable.

Based on the strength of this outing, it is made abundantly clear that greatness may well be within the collective grasp of this creative Glaswegian four-piece.