Who are Alicewell, you ask? Your new favourite band by the looks of it. From the Swedish town of Eskilstuna (good luck saying that to your friends), theyâre joining the likes of Daylight in a European invasion of the pop-punk scene. Described already as arena ready, it might not be time for them to play shows that big yet but no doubt weâll see them supporting some pop-punk giants.
In the same vein of alternative pop as All Time Low, the band have already attracted fans around the world. With songs like âWide Awakeâ and âSomewhere To Belongâ on their ‘Young Hearts’ album theyâre sure to win over those in to radio friendly rockers that allow pop fans to have a little mosh now and again.
âFireworksâ races ahead as the strongest track on the EP. Thereâs an intangible feeling about its melodies that transport you right back to the days before the pop-punk scene had come in to its own and everything was new and exciting.
As with most pop-punk artists, a sense of hopefulness is disguised in each song by down beaten lyrics. âLost You Onceâ, the sort of huge rock sound that Young Guns have shown us how to do well, has a video filmed with shaky camera angles and guitar close ups. Itâs not unique, but echoing guitars and an Americanised vocal tick just a couple of boxes that fans of the genre love. Thereâs something haunting about the, âburn, weâll burn, weâll make it through the nightâ chant at the end as well.
âYoung Heartsâ is a cracking closer to the EP, with a killer hook and lyrics thatâll get clung on to by young fans and the passion of lead singer Jonatan Nyberg-Kaski is shouted out in every line.
If youâre a fan of pop music, donât be shy to admit it. Alicewell might just provide you with a pick me up dose of pop-punk to blow away those rain clouds outside at the minute. If you donât like your music too sickly sweet, however, maybe stay away.
KATHRYN BLACK