The debut EP from Firefly Recordings' "emo-pop" five-piece. These guys represent a calmer, more melodic end of the "emo" craze currently sweeping the Western World, along with bands such as Biffy Clyro, Joshua and The Copperpot Journals (the latter also on Firefly), although classic influences from the 90's Gainsville sound of bands such as Hot Water Music can be heard in the heavier moments. The record contains five excellently crafted songs, with styles ranging from straight forward punk to some more folky and progressive compositions. Meaningful lyrics invloving childhood angst and apocolyptic imagery are sung beautifully over fast-paced, original guitar work and the interesting keyboard sounds which are becoming more and more common in the modern punk scene. This EP is a bargain and should not dissapoint most fans of modern punk music.
Some of the album's livelier moments occur within it's first two songs, which are the album's two simplest and fastest tunes. The the second song, "Drowned By Distance", reminds me (strangely) of New Order style dynamics conveyed in Gainsville-style distortion. The album's highlights include the somewhat experimental folk-punk hybrid "Veil" and the epic single "Barely Making Progress".
The later released 'Dark Adapted Eye' (the band's debut LP) maintains this quality and style, with 10 tracks of complex compostition and genuinely emotional melodies.