Bristol’s electronic trip-pop trio Vacant Shores return with their self-titled release, Vacant Shores EP — a record that feels less like a collection of songs and more like an emotional landscape. Lush, cinematic, and hypnotic in its depth, the EP captures that distinct balance between the synthetic and the soulful, blending shimmering electronic textures with deeply human warmth. It’s a sound that lingers, inviting listeners to lose themselves in its ethereal world.
Formed by Jon Elliott (programmer/producer known for his work with Polestar, avOva, and OOSR) and AJ “Sid” Sidford (Lostmove), Vacant Shores first made waves with their acclaimed debut Summer Ghost. Their new chapter begins with the addition of Suzy Alderton, whose haunting vocal presence reshapes their sound into something bolder and more emotionally resonant. Alderton’s voice is both grounding and transcendent — floating effortlessly above the atmospheric synths while anchoring the EP in a sense of human vulnerability.
The Vacant Shores EP is a masterclass in mood and texture. From the first few notes, it establishes a sonic identity that’s unmistakably its own — cinematic yet intimate, glacial yet warm. The trio’s chemistry is evident in every layer: Elliott’s production pulses with a restrained power, Sidford’s instrumentation provides a sturdy emotional backbone, and Alderton’s vocals wrap around it all like mist over water.
The standout tracks — “Flat Circle,” “Wasted Breath,” and “3 Fire Alarm” — each offer a different shade of the band’s identity. “Flat Circle” opens with dreamlike ambience, its looping synths and reverb-drenched vocals evoking a sense of quiet introspection. It feels like time suspended — a fitting metaphor for the cyclical patterns of emotion the song explores. “Wasted Breath,” by contrast, builds tension through its layered production and understated groove, culminating in a soaring chorus that highlights the trio’s gift for marrying melody with atmosphere.
Then there’s “3 Fire Alarm,” perhaps the emotional core of the EP. Accompanied by a striking promo video directed by acclaimed visual artist Tobias Stretch, the song unfolds like a short film in itself — cinematic, haunting, and charged with feeling. It’s the kind of track that draws you in completely, showcasing Vacant Shores’ ability to blend art and emotion into a seamless whole.
Musically, the EP sits comfortably in the lineage of artists like Moderat, Beach House, and Portishead, yet Vacant Shores carve their own niche. There’s a fluidity to their sound — a fusion of electronic sophistication and dream-pop introspection — that makes their work both familiar and fresh. Each song feels alive, evolving from gentle ripples of ambience into crashing waves of melody.
Beyond the studio, Vacant Shores are quickly becoming a force in the UK’s live electronic scene. With performances on the Pilton Stage as part of the Glastonbury Festival artist development programme and regular shows across Bristol and the South West, the band’s immersive sets have earned them a devoted following. Their track “Indigo,” featured in Sheridan Seraphin’s award-winning short film Finished Sympathy, further underscores their growing artistic presence.
Ultimately, Vacant Shores EP is a beautifully cohesive statement — one that captures the essence of what modern electronic pop can be: expansive, emotional, and cinematic. It’s music that feels like drifting across vast, reflective waters — tranquil on the surface, but teeming with depth below.
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