New 4 track CD-EP of professionally recorded studio compositions. While it is a personal quibble, it's also a mark of the sheer quality of writing that this band possesses, when I say that, in my opinion, the opening track, “Middleman” is not, for me, the most commercially hitworthy track on the EP. That honour falls to “The Dealer”, but of course, I'm being picky. So, let's start with “Middleman” - opens with a staccato guitar riff that is swiftly accompanied by pummelling drumming and pounding bass as the taut vocal enters and the composition drives forward in a hail of riffing and rhythmic force, the vocal equally fast as it all dives headlong into this spiraling guitar break, the whole song fast-paced and furious, short, sharp and effective. I have to say that, the more I played it, the more I liked it, but it's still not the most immediate opener. So then we come to “The Dealer” which is simply awesome – this is a track that would – and, indeed, already has had – audiences singing along with it right from the first listen. It's one of those tracks that has “indie anthem” written all over it, with a lyric and arrangement that's so infectious, sung superbly in strong-voiced fashion, opening with a multi-layered guitar squall before the vocal kicks in with a verse that's immediate as the guitar storm gathers pace then the rhythm section kicks in and you're into the chorus and singing along, almost before you realise it. The song's now got you firmly in its grip and refuses to let go as the whole thing surges on to giddy heights as the band sizzle, the guitar lights up a lead break that's short and effective, while the song soars to impressive heights, taking you with it – simply stunning. “Let It All Out” again opens with just electric guitar riffing before Bo Diddley-esque drums kick in as the vocal now combines a kind of yearning and impassioned pleading with its soaring strength, the song gradually building on ever intensifying waves of guitars while the drums and deep, deep bass rattle around the mix, but it's all about the song as it stomps forward, eventually erupting for the huge-sounding chorus and just sounding so naturally flowing while at the same time possessing a density that's seriously impressive. The last track is “Accidents Never Happen” and here the band reveal an initially more laid-back approach with strummed guitars and high-flying yearning vocals as the drums shuffle in, the rhythm kicks up steam and the song flows neatly along to a wordless chorus where the guitar briefly catches fire before the band return to the calmer, building waters of the verses. The song is strong, the complete thing catching hold easily enough and as a mix of strength and addiction, it works a treat, mesmerising the listener with its dynamics as the intensity rises and falls as the song progresses. Overall, you have to say that, in terms of the playing, writing delivery and production, the band haven't put a foot wrong on this CD and if this is a mark of the quality and potential of the band, then 2009 is going to shine very bright in The Trade's backyard.
