Listen Here – Out Now!
Beyond The Rubicon, the dynamic duo of Paul Mahieu and Paul Griggs, is thrilled to announce their highly anticipated EP, ‘Vision 2‘, dropping on the 15th of August, 2025. Blending the vibrant hues of pop, Americana, and rock, this four-track collection is a soulful continuation of their journey, following the warmly received Awakening 1 EP. With their signature 70s/80s-inspired sound, the band crafts emotionally charged songs that resonate with nostalgia while carving a fresh path in today’s music landscape.
Vision 2 is the second chapter in a trilogy of EPs, Awakening, Vision, and the forthcoming Re-birth, each reflecting a transformative arc of self-discovery and reinvention. Thematically, the EP captures the spark of realizing life’s monotony and envisioning bold change, a concept deeply personal to both Pauls, who have experienced their own “rebirths.” The tracks weave tales of love, longing, and lively barroom musings, driven by the duo’s intuitive songwriting process. Starting with guitar chords and a mood, they let the vibe guide the melody and lyrics, mumbling words until something clicks, often drawing subconsciously from past relationships.
The EP’s four songs showcase Beyond The Rubicon’s genre-defying versatility. Everywhere bursts with infectious pop energy, layered with acoustic undertones and Joe Montague’s standout drumming. I Surrender, a tender almost-ballad, keeps things stripped-down with acoustic guitar and subtle bass, evoking raw emotion. Alive blends pop with Americana flair, featuring electric and acoustic guitars, an evocative ebow, and a Hofner bass slide that nods to The Beatles’ Long and Winding Road. Closing the EP, One More Time channels a folky, foot-tapping vibe, painting a vivid picture of a bar patron pleading for one last tune.
Recorded primarily at 6Db Studios in York with producer Dave Boothroyd, Vision 2 captures the band’s commitment to authentic, guitar-driven sound. Boothroyd, a master of “little licks,” refined the tracks, trimming excess while adding subtle flourishes. The duo layered their songs meticulously, starting with Cubase demos, correcting timing, and letting each track dictate its needs, be it a riff, solo, or vocal harmony. Drummer Joe Montague, based in Beeston, Leeds, elevated the semi-finished tracks with his dynamic percussion, while mastering by Sam Proctor at Lismore Mastering polished the final product. A brief stint in Amsterdam proved less fruitful, reinforcing the band’s preference for the creative haven of 6Db Studios.
Beyond The Rubicon’s no-keyboards philosophy keeps their sound pure, relying on acoustic and electric guitars, with the ebow adding a haunting edge. This approach, paired with their 70s/80s aesthetic, sets them apart in an era of homogenized pop. They hope Vision 2 reminds listeners that timeless music endures, inviting them to tap their feet, connect with the lyrics, or simply revel in the quality of the craft.
Formed after a chance meeting at a 2023 party, Paul Mahieu (Netherlands) and Paul Griggs (UK) bonded over shared musical sensibilities, leading to their acclaimed debut album, Beyond the Rubicon. Their songwriting, lauded as “the best of the best” by producers, blends raw talent with polished production. To celebrate Vision 2, Beyond The Rubicon has assembled a live band, featuring Paul G and Paul M and Jan on guitars, Ron on bass and Edwin on drums, for a series of gigs showcasing their tight harmonies. Supported by a social media push on platforms like TikTok and efforts to secure global sync placements, the band is poised to expand their growing fanbase.
Influences
Neil Young, Neil Finn, The Beatles, Chris Rea, Led Zeppelin
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