Trading Things In EP

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A fourtracker appears with a brief description on the lead cut as ‘lyrically vivid English-summer pop tune’. Well, at least an appearance by Tinchy Strider seems unlikely…

These four songs are pretty much a whimsical, unworldly half-nod to The Kinks, Jonathan Richman and Neil Hanlon in spirit if not completely by any means in sound. There’s an intriguing depth to the low-fi presence of ‘Trading Things In’ and a rattley snare, to boot. Perhaps a hint of XTC, but warmer.

‘Arctic Climate’ is a charming acoustic-led piece that deftly avoids being twee like Noah & The Whale and suchlike wimpy fare. It cries out for a jerky Trumpton-style animation to accompany it ; whilst ‘Heart Too Bored To Beat’ centres on out-of-kilter banjo, twinkly keyboards and brush drumming. Nobody’s told these chaps what’s fashionable, and thank the deity of your choice for that !

Closer ‘Vending Machine’ is a busk around a low-fi string setting and pretty much another unworldly cartoonish ramble, admittedly not quite as affecting as the other three numbers here.

This record is the polar opposite of mannered confections like The Killers and their ilk, it’s pose-free musical meandering with rays of sunshine bursting out of each song and I fear I may not hear another outing this human, organic and laidback this year. Hasten ye to the Troubadour, 12 Bar  etc, Voluntary Butler Scheme and put this stuff across in person, please

Pete Sargeant     www.fairhearing.co.uk