Doesn't 2008 seem such a strange time, so very long ago? Remember back then when some of us still liked Muse and Michael Macintyre? Luckily, we're far more sensible. However, 2008 did produce some incredible music, and Swanton Bombs' debut EP (they have possibly the best name for a band ever. Jeff Hardy was the coolest wrestler when you were 11) is a gem on indie-pop that doesn't try too hard or punch above its weight.
There's a real twee element to the 4 tracks, all of which take the basic elements of guitar-based indie and apply a healthy dollop of tongue-in-cheek pop. There's clearly an overriding sense of fun behind the band, who should hopefully see a resergence in interest with their appearance on the new Huw Stephens compilation, the modestly titled 'The Music Sounds Better With Huw.'
The music is noticeably unpolished; the somewhat muted vocals are an interesting concept but can drag, and there is very little seperating 'Turnstile' from a Keane/Feeling track, but the E.P is definitely worth investing in, if purely for opener 'Shock.' Considering how Swanton Bomb's manage to get the balance of guitar and keyboard right without sounding like boring kids covering Luke Leighfield, its amazing when you consider their age that 'Moth And Moon Song' sounds like it came straight from Rufus Wainwright's 'Want' series. A very promising e.p indeed, from a band who if they can escape the horrors that afflict so many MOR bands, could become very interesting indeed.
7/10
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