Back in the Autumn of 2011, Austin’s Easy Tiger released a two track single featuring well-constructed, Posies influenced alt-pop. Literally weeks later, they returned with a new drummer and this four track EP of songs named after girls. Although this second release has a slightly lighter tone at times, the better songs retain the spark of those prior recordings.
Tag Archives: alternative
DUKE & THE DARLINGS – Champagne Of The People
This second EP from Manchester-based Duke and the Darlings was recorded live in the studio and its relative rawness gives the material a natural energy and edginess. After recovering from the initial shock of something sounding like a blown speaker, there are four well played numbers waiting to be discovered from beneath the general fuzziness.
FLAGFALL – Flagfall EP
What to do with a bunch of guys from Sydney who claim to make music for misfits, drawn together via a love of The Black Keys and Kanye West? Keep an open mind if you can…since this Australian quintet make some interesting music on their debut EP. The four tunes are driven by obvious funk grooves but their eclectic sound draws from a wider palate, incorporating a hefty dose of pop, and elements of soul and rap for good measure. The funk elements – seemingly high on their list of musical priorities – come courtesy of some rather large and warm sounding lead bass parts, which in turn are brought to life by a terrific production job by sometime John Butler producer Tony Buchen. It is instantly obvious that these tunes have not been recorded “on the cheap”.
HAWK EYES – That’s What This Is EP
Hawk Eyes’ 2013 release ‘That’s What This Is’ was funded by fans via a kickstarter campaign – and for the fans, their money was well spent as the Leeds math/alt-metal outfit offers another selection of tunes which manage to combine difficult and angular aggressiveness with moments of surprising melody.
CROSS WIRES – Dark Water EP
Following two self-financed EPs and gigs at London’s much-loved 93 Feet East and Camden Barfly, this third DIY offering from Bethnal Green/Essex combo Cross Wires offers three more pieces of hard indie jangling crossed with a little post punk. While their overall sound is still pretty raw, the rhythm section of Pete Letch on bass and drummer Ian Clarke provide the band with solid foundations, which appears handy for those inevitable times where the lead parts still seem somewhat dissonant.