ALLEY the band 
Telling Stories Reviews

The Other Side Reveiw

The Interveiwist:

ALLEY (the band) explore love, loss, and escapism on Telling Stories, blending intimate lyricism with cinematic soundscapes in a vulnerable debut that captures emotional contrasts and the beauty of unresolved moments.

1. Telling Stories explores a wide emotional spectrum, from love and loss to escapism—what inspired you to center the EP around these contrasting experiences?
The inspiration really came from looking back at different moments that didn’t seem connected at the time, but all ended up feeling like chapters of the same story. Some songs came from very real, grounded experiences, relationships, goodbyes, that sense of holding onto something that’s slipping away. Others leaned more into escapism, almost like creating a world to hide in when reality felt a bit too heavy.

2. The lead single “Watching You Leave” captures a very raw moment of finality in a relationship. Can you tell us about the story or emotions behind this track?
“Watching You Leave” came from that very specific moment where everything is already over, but only one party in the relationship accepts the finality of the decision.  It’s not explosive or dramatic, it’s quiet… and that’s what makes it hit harder.
The idea started with the image of literally watching someone walk away but feeling a sense of regaining your power after being made to feel so weak in the relationship dynamic.  That mix of acceptance, helplessness and relief is the emotional core of the track.

3. Your sound blends indie, alternative pop, and rock influences. How have artists like Eliza McLamb, Becca Stevens, and Lucy Dacus shaped your musical identity?
As a lyric based band, we are influenced by artists who share that passion.  Eliza McLamb has this really intimate, almost conversational way of writing. Her songs feel like you’re reading someone’s journal, nothing is over-polished.  It made it more comfortable leaning into quieter, more vulnerable moments in our own songwriting.

With Lucy Dacus, there’s a weight and clarity to her writing that feels very grounded, she doesn’t overcomplicate things, but it still cuts deep. That balance of simplicity and emotional impact is something we’re always chasing.

4. Tracks like “La La Land” and “Daytime Drinking” seem to contrast fantasy with harsh reality—was that duality intentional when structuring the EP?

Yeah, that contrast was very intentional. Those two tracks almost act like opposite sides of the same coin.
“La La Land” leans into escapism, it’s that dreamy, slightly detached headspace where everything feels a bit more cinematic than it really is. It’s about choosing to see things the way you want them to be, even if you know it’s not entirely real. There’s a comfort in that, but also a kind of quiet denial underneath it.
“Daytime Drinking,” on the other hand, pulls everything back into reality, but not in a clean or resolved way. It’s messy, a bit self-aware, and sits in that space where you know things aren’t right but you’re not quite ready to fix them. It’s less about escape and more about avoidance.
Placing those songs within the EP was a way of showing how people move between those states. You don’t just live in fantasy or reality, you drift between them depending on what you can handle in the moment. Structurally, it helps the EP feel like a cycle rather than a straight line: you escape, you come back down, you try to cope, and sometimes you escape again.

5. The band’s origin story is quite unique and spontaneous. How has that initial connection influenced your chemistry and songwriting process today?

That spontaneous start ended up setting the tone for everything that followed. Because there wasn’t this long, calculated build-up, the connection was very instinctive from the beginning, we were just reacting to each other in the moment rather than overthinking where it could go.
That’s had a big impact on our chemistry. There’s a level of trust that came quite naturally, where no idea feels too rough or too personal to bring into the room. It means we can move quickly, follow gut instincts, and not get stuck trying to make everything “perfect” before it’s even had a chance to breathe.
In terms of songwriting, it’s kept things very collaborative and open. A lot of our songs start from a small, almost throwaway idea, maybe a line, a melody, or even just a feeling and then grow organically because we feel free to push it in different directions. There’s less attachment to “this is my part” or “your part,” and more focus on what serves the song.

6. As this is your debut EP, what do you hope listeners take away from Telling Stories, and how does it represent who ALLEY the band is moving forward?
I think more than anything, we want people to feel seen by it. Telling Stories isn’t trying to give answers or tie everything up neatly, it’s about sitting in those in-between moments where things are unresolved, complicated, or even contradictory. If someone hears a line or a feeling in one of the tracks and thinks, “yeah, that’s exactly it,” then it’s done what it’s supposed to do.
As a debut, it’s a pretty honest snapshot of who we are right now. It leans into vulnerability, but it’s not afraid of contrast either, sonically or emotionally. That balance between intimacy and experimentation is something we definitely want to keep pushing forward.
Going ahead, I think ALLEY the band will always sit in that space between raw storytelling and cinematic atmosphere. This EP kind of lays the foundation: honest lyrics, dynamic sound, and a willingness to explore uncomfortable emotions without dressing them up too much. It’s our statement of arrival, the beginning of our journey.

La Caverna: 

El debut de ALLEY the band, “Telling Stories”, funciona como una carta de presentación que no intenta ordenar el caos, sino habitarlo.

Desde la costa sur del Reino Unido, el cuarteto arma un EP donde el indie rock se cruza con matices de pop alternativo y una sensibilidad cercana a nombres como Eliza McLamb o Lucy Dacus. No hay una narrativa lineal, pero sí una constante: explorar los extremos emocionales sin suavizarlos.

ALLEY the band explores emotions in “Telling Stories” ALTERNATIVE AUDIO INDIE ROCK Miguel Castillo March 24, 2026 88 ALLEY the band explores emotions in “Telling Stories” ALLEY the band’s debut, “Telling Stories,” serves as a calling card that doesn’t attempt to order chaos, but rather to inhabit it. Hailing from the south coast of the UK, the quartet crafts an EP where indie rock intersects with nuances of alternative pop and a sensibility reminiscent of artists like Eliza McLamb or Lucy Dacus. There’s no linear narrative, but there is a constant: exploring emotional extremes without softening them.

Lost in the Manor:

ALLEY (the band) – Watching You Leave

Opening ALLEY (the band)’s first and latest EP Telling Stories, is Watching You Leave, a raw track that keeps it real throughout. As ALLEY (the band) says, their music is for “those who want to hear real music written by people who truly feel,” rather than for “consumption with corporate coffee and a cardboard sandwich,” and Watching You Leave epitomises this principle. Blending a rhythm that’s impossible not to sway to with low, confident vocals and stirring instrumentals, the song makes it easy to listen along – once, twice, then again. Walking the line between real and underpolished, this is a track worth looping!

Illustrate Magazine:

ALLEY (the band) is preparing to release their debut EP “Telling Stories” on March 31, 2026. The five-track project explores themes of love, loss, and the chaotic moments that shape everyday life, blending indie alternative pop and rock sensibilities. The EP brings together the band’s first two singles, The Release (Now It’s Over) and Song For A Diva, alongside three new tracks, forming a collection that promises to capture emotional highs and lows with honesty and thoughtfulness.

The lead track, Watching You Leave, focuses on the final moments of a relationship, addressing the painful realization that there is no turning back. The Release (Now It’s Over) reportedly emphasizes emotional transformation and self-discovery, while Song For A Diva centers on quiet reflection, vulnerability, and the tension between taking risks and drifting through life. The fourth track, La La Land, shifts into a more surreal space, imagining a world where boundaries blur and consequences fade, and the EP closes with Daytime Drinking, which combines playful energy with candid commentary on heavy drinking and its repetitive cycles of regret and recovery.

The press release highlights that “Telling Stories” balances strong melodies with thoughtful songwriting, creating a relatable narrative that examines both light and darker aspects of life. ALLEY (the band) introduces themselves as a four-piece group unafraid to navigate emotional complexity, using storytelling as a way to connect with listeners. With this debut EP, the band positions themselves as a promising act capable of capturing life’s messy, meaningful moments through music.

Dulaxi

Released on March 31, 2026, “Telling Stories” by ALLEY the band stands as a cohesive and emotionally immersive EP that draws its strength from honest storytelling and deeply relatable themes. At its core, the project explores the intertwined experiences of love and loss, pleasure and trauma, capturing the unpredictable nature of everyday life with striking clarity. The band leans heavily into narrative-driven songwriting, using reflective and sincere lyricism to create moments that feel both intimate and universally resonant. This emphasis on real-life emotions and experiences allows the EP to connect effortlessly with listeners, whether through personal memories or shared human situations. Sonically, the EP maintains a balanced and deliberate approach, blending indie and alternative rock textures with a restrained yet expressive production style.

The arrangements are carefully structured, allowing melodies to breathe while subtly supporting the emotional weight of the lyrics. There is a noticeable sense of cohesion throughout, as each element, from instrumentation to vocal delivery, works in harmony to sustain the project’s introspective atmosphere. Rather than relying on excess or dramatic shifts, the band prioritizes mood, clarity, and authenticity, resulting in a sound that feels grounded and purposeful. Ultimately, “Telling Stories” succeeds as a unified body of work that captures the highs and lows of human experience without losing its sense of direction. Its ability to balance emotional depth with accessible songwriting makes it a compelling listen from start to finish, reinforcing ALLEY the band’s identity as storytellers committed to connection, honesty, and meaningful expression.

Pre-Save The EP “Telling Stories” Here!

Watching You Leave:
In “Watching You Leave” from “Telling Stories,” ALLEY the band anchor the track in a vocal performance defined by restraint, emotional distance, and quiet resolve. The delivery leans into a cool, almost conversational tone, allowing the lyrics to feel personal and unforced rather than theatrically heightened. Lines like “The mistake you made was playing me as a fool” are expressed with weary clarity instead of anger, capturing a state of emotional exhaustion where the narrator has moved beyond confrontation. This approach reinforces the central theme of disillusionment, as the voice itself becomes a vehicle for closure rather than conflict. Lyrically, the song explores the moment of painful realization that follows the collapse of a relationship, focusing on the clarity that comes when illusions are stripped away.
Phrases such as “there’s no one else” and “it’s too late for this sincerity” signal a turning point where emotional attachment gives way to self-preservation. The message is rooted in liberation, emphasizing that while separation may feel destabilizing, there is a quiet strength in choosing to walk away from something that no longer holds meaning. Instrumentally, the track builds a moody alternative-rock atmosphere through layered guitar textures and a steady rhythmic foundation. Clean, echo-laden lines contrast with darker tonal elements, creating tension that mirrors the emotional narrative. The production maintains an intimate mix, allowing the vocals to remain central while the instrumentation subtly expands and contracts. Overall, the song’s power lies in its balance of minimalism and emotional depth, where every sonic choice reinforces its themes of reflection, acceptance, and finality.

The Release (Now It’s Over):
“The Release (Now It’s Over)” from “Telling Stories” presents one of ALLEY the band’s most emotionally revealing vocal performances, built around intimacy and controlled vulnerability. The vocal delivery carries a sense of fatigue shaped by experience, yet it also introduces a quiet defiance that signals emotional growth. Rather than relying on dramatic peaks, the phrasing unfolds gradually, allowing subtle tonal shifts to communicate the tension between holding on and letting go. This nuanced performance places the listener directly inside the emotional transition the song describes. The lyrics center on endings and the inevitability of change, using evocative imagery like “The night comes, why you have to take the day away?” to illustrate the loss of something once stable. The repeated acknowledgment that “there’s nothing left” reinforces the finality of the situation, while also framing it as a necessary step toward healing.
Thematically, the track captures the catharsis that comes with acceptance, presenting release not as defeat, but as an essential act of self-preservation. Musically, the track expands into a layered blend of alternative rock and electronic textures, with a driving rhythmic core that sustains momentum. Guitars alternate between clean melodic passages and distorted accents, while ambient synth layers add depth and a nocturnal atmosphere. The instrumentation evolves gradually, mirroring the emotional progression embedded in the lyrics. The production balances polish with raw emotional presence, keeping the vocals forward while allowing the instrumentation to create a wide, immersive backdrop. The result is a cohesive piece that embodies transition, release, and quiet emotional transformation.

Daytime Drinking:
In “Daytime Drinking” from “Telling Stories,” ALLEY the band deliver a vocal performance that feels detached, dreamlike, and emotionally layered, perfectly aligning with the song’s themes of escapism and internal conflict. The delivery maintains a calm, almost resigned tone, even when expressing lines like “I wake up knowing today’s the day I’m going to drink all my troubles away,” creating a contrast between the surface composure and the deeper desperation beneath. This duality gives the vocals a reflective quality, as if the narrator is aware of their situation yet unable to escape it. The lyrics delve into the isolating nature of avoidance, blurring the boundaries between day and night to reflect a disoriented mental state. Imagery such as searching for a tavern as a path to “heaven” underscores the illusion of relief, highlighting the futility of using external means to cope with internal struggles.
Thematically, the song captures a cycle of emotional stagnation, where the narrator feels left behind while the world continues to move forward, intensifying the sense of loneliness. Instrumentally, the track is driven by a steady bassline that anchors the composition, while distorted guitars and shimmering synth textures create a hazy, immersive atmosphere. The arrangement shifts between sparse verses and more layered sections, using reverb and echo to enhance the sense of disorientation. The production emphasizes contrast and repetition, reinforcing the cyclical nature of the song’s theme. Together, the vocals and instrumentation form a cohesive narrative that captures the tension between awareness and escape.

Telling Stories Captures The Messy, Beautiful Complexity Of Life, Exploring Love, Loss, Pleasure, And Trauma With Honesty, Emotion, And Narratives That Resonate Deeply With Listeners.
~ Daniel (Dulaxi Team).

Emerging from the South Coast of England, ALLEY the band are a four-piece group whose music thrives on emotional honesty and storytelling, qualities that are fully showcased in “Telling Stories.” The band’s journey began in a strikingly spontaneous moment when guitarist Robbie Davies overheard Ali Wood singing in a pub, instantly recognizing the unique voice that would define their sound. Nine months later, this chance encounter transformed into a cohesive band, united by a shared commitment to crafting music that explores both the light and darker sides of life. Their songs are lyric-driven, balancing energy and vulnerability, and drawing influence from artists such as Lucy Dacus, Eliza McLamb, and Becca Stevens, blending indie, alternative, and pop/rock textures in a way that feels intimate yet expansive. With “Telling Stories,” ALLEY the band solidify their identity as storytellers, delivering music that resonates on a deeply personal level while maintaining accessible melodies and atmospheric arrangements. For listeners drawn to narrative-rich songwriting and emotional authenticity, this EP is a compelling introduction to a band unafraid to explore life’s complexities. It is a record that invites repeated listening, rewarding those willing to engage with its depth and sincerity.

The Big Takeover:

ALLEY the band - Telling Stories (Diva)

2 April 2026

by Dave Franklin

It’s always fascinating when, having heard only one song by a band, you are faced with a more complete array of their music. Was that first song representative? Can they back up the impact of that initial taste? Was there a reason that single was out there over perhaps one of their other songs?

Well, in the case of ALLEY the band, it is fair to say that “Song for a Diva” wasn’t that representative, but only because the five songs found on Telling Stories collectively show a band able to work in several different styles, not only that, but make their own. And by that, I mean be adventurous and eclectic, yet still sound cohesive and coordinated. Eclectic yet focused!

“Watching You Leave” kicks things off with a slice of accessible rock and roll woven with an almost pop accessibility, contagious with an understated sense of urgency, while “The Release (Now it’s over) errs more on the side of folk-rock, mixing acoustic lightness, shuffling beats, and a melodic bassline that underpins without dominating.

The aforementioned “Song for a Diva” finding it’s energy in a blend of sax and searing guitars, drifting between grace and groove effortlessly, while “La La Land” sees them plant one foot on the monitor raise one fist into the air (not easy if you are trying to weild a guitar) and kick out some purer rock and roll jams, although still done with their own signature sheen of sonic-serenity.

“Daytime Drinking” contains no small slice of pep, but is happy to shift and change through all manner of moods and time signatures… progressive pop-rock? Why not?

“Song for a Diva” was a good introduction to the band. Telling Stories is a great calling card, and based on this, I can’t wait to hear the next sonic chapter.

Lock Magazine:

Ther'es something quietly devastating about the moment you realise it’s over, and on their debut EP ‘Telling Stories’, ALLEY the band bottle that feeling, and everything that comes before and after it, into a collection that feels startlingly real, achingly familiar, and beautifully unpolished in all the right ways.

At the centre of it all sits ‘Watching You Leave’, a track that lingers in heartbreak. Here, the band lean into the stillness of that final goodbye, allowing the weight of the moment to breathe. It’s this restraint that makes it hit harder, carried by a vocal that feels both fragile and unwavering at once.

That emotional thread runs deep into ‘The Release (Now It’s Over)’, where the tone subtly shifts from loss to something resembling clarity. It feels like picking yourself up in slow motion, rediscovering who you are when everything familiar has fallen away.

‘Song For A Diva’ follows with a more introspective edge, capturing the push and pull between boldness and hesitation. It balances vulnerability with a quiet sense of defiance, giving it a lived-in honesty to it that makes every line feel earned rather than performed.

Then comes ‘La La Land’, a left turn that expands the EP’s emotional palette. It drifts into something almost dreamlike, where reality loosens its grip. It’s a moment of escape, but one that feels knowingly temporary, like a daydream you don’t quite believe in but need anyway.

Closing track ‘Daytime Drinking’ might carry the EP’s most deceptive energy. On the surface, it pulses with a restless, carefree spirit, but underneath, there’s something far more cyclical and unsettling. It captures the loop of indulgence and consequence with a sharpness that leaves a lasting impression by its end.

What makes ‘Telling Stories’ so compelling is its refusal to tidy things up. These songs reflect life as it is as the band move effortlessly between light and shadow, weaving narratives that feel both personal and universal.

For a debut collection, this is strikingly assured. ALLEY the band aren’t afraid to sit in the discomfort, or explore the in-between spaces where most stories actually live.

IGGY Magazine:

Certains disques ne se contentent pas d’être écoutés ; ils se lisent comme des recueils de confidences. Avec leur premier EP, Telling Stories, le quatuor émergent ALLEY signe une entrée franche sur la scène indie-rock. Ce projet de cinq titres est une fresque organique où s’entremêlent l’amour et la perte, le plaisir et le traumatisme, reflétant avec une justesse désarmante les complexités de notre quotidien.

Le voyage débute avec « Watching You Leave », un morceau puissant qui capture cet instant de bascule universel : la réalisation brutale qu’une relation est terminée, sans aucun retour possible. Le groupe enchaîne ensuite avec les singles déjà connus, « The Release (Now It’s Over) » et « Song For A Diva », qui explorent respectivement la reconquête de soi et cette tension fragile entre prendre des risques ou simplement se laisser porter par le courant.

L’audace d’ALLEY éclate véritablement sur « La La Land », une parenthèse surréaliste où les frontières s’effacent au profit d’un monde imaginaire sans conséquences. Mais c’est avec « Daytime Drinking » que l’EP culmine. Sous une mélodie énergique et trompeuse, le texte livre une réflexion crue sur le cycle de l’addiction et le regret.

En équilibrant honnêteté brutale et mélodies entêtantes, ALLEY prouve qu’il n’a pas peur de sonder les zones d’ombre comme les éclats de lumière. Telling Stories ne se contente pas de raconter des histoires ; il invite chaque auditeur à se reconnecter à ses propres souvenirs, transformant l’intime en une expérience collective vibrante. Une révélation à ne surtout pas laisser filer. Une œuvre qui résonne longtemps après la note finale.

Some albums aren't just listened to; they're read like collections of confessions. With their debut EP, Telling Stories, the emerging quartet ALLEY makes a bold entrance onto the indie-rock scene. This five-track project is an organic tapestry where love and loss, pleasure and trauma intertwine, reflecting the complexities of our daily lives with disarming accuracy. The journey begins with "Watching You Leave," a powerful track that captures that universal turning point: the brutal realization that a relationship is over, with no possibility of return. The band then follows up with the already released singles, "The Release (Now It's Over)" and "Song For A Diva," which respectively explore self-discovery and the fragile tension between taking risks and simply going with the flow. ALLEY's audacity truly shines on "La La Land," a surreal interlude where boundaries dissolve, giving way to an imaginary world without consequences. But it's with "Daytime Drinking" that the EP truly shines. Beneath an energetic and deceptive melody, the lyrics deliver a raw reflection on the cycle of addiction and regret. By balancing brutal honesty with catchy melodies, ALLEY proves he's not afraid to explore both the dark and the bright. Telling Stories doesn't just tell stories; it invites each listener to reconnect with their own memories, transforming the personal into a vibrant, collective experience. A revelation not to be missed. A work that resonates long after the final note.