Released: 08/08

Despite only having met less than two years ago, Bristol’s The Lasting Days have already developed a sturdy reputation for their well-crafted brand of melancholic indie/folk and electrically charged live performances. Featuring a seasoned cohesion that belies their recent formation, their first CD, an eponymous 5-track EP, successfully capers around several musical modes, from rambunctious knees-ups to heartfelt piano ballads.

First track Little Fish resounds with tinkling piano as Richard Smith’s treacle-like vocals comfort the ears with familiar experiences of the kind of cherished romances where keeping each other warm is the only expectation. Jangly guitar (think acoustic Johnny Marr) and tender bass flesh out more upbeat moments, but cunningly leave space for ebbing waves of piano work and heartfelt melodies.

It’s quite a surprise then when foot-tapping jig Dirty Lies hops forth, complete with a good helping of wailing harmonica and a chorus of reproachful words sung in ironically cheerful harmony. Fiddle-led Seven Minutes follows in a similar ilk and makes a strong claim as the EP’s stand out track. Another up-tempo folky romp, the catchy tune nods its tweed cap at King Creosote as the band issue Animal Collective style shouts and playful claps. Even at its knee-slapping best, The Lasting Days don’t forget to slow to gentle guitar strums in order to showcase Smith’s emotive vocals and their penchant for well-timed pauses.

The slow first half of philosophic number The Decline of Magic may leave a warmed-up audience feeling a little impatient, but The Lasting Days eventually deliver a rousing multi-instrumental refrain that is arguably the most pleasing on the record. Faster, rockier and angrier, the final track Black Sun features a glimpse of the band’s energetic live presence but at times strays into rawness that teeters on the melodramatic. It’s articulation of frustrated anguish is top notch however, and provides a punchy end to lyrically strong EP.

As The Lasting Days head into the studio this spring, it will be interesting to see which persona prevails - melodist, folkster or rocker - or whether the band can convincingly fuse all three for a full-length debut to match this impressive EP.

www.lastingdays.co.uk

Laura Snoad