So far (across two releases, that is) the general feeling is that Advantage has been treading carefully towards defining an individual identity. Whilst the debut self-titled EP leant towards hurried power pop, ‘Future Echoes’ flirted more with a unique brass sound a fair way from those ska-punk days. This new double A side gives the impression that the band may nearly be there, or at least it shows off the two sides the band is straddling.
‘The Beat (Get Up!)’ is a dance number. I don’t mean it’s a banging club classic you’ll hear down your local D’n’B club, instead it’s an up tempo jaunt aimed at getting you off your arse. When Advantage talks about “energy, power and infectiousness”, this is what comes to mind. It has a rocky edge but the buoyancy of pop punk.
‘Wait, Is This Love?’ is the introspective number, built around tempo changes, stripped right down at times, and generally a tad more relaxed. That’s not to say there’s none of that boisterousness about it. Lyrically, whilst the opener bobs along with an air of nonchalant glee, this one is a little less sure of itself. And that there seems to be representative of the band itself.
Certainly Advantage still doesn’t feel completely rounded out. As on the previous release, the band is at its best when it’s being playful with the brass and less impressive when it chooses to focuses more on just the pop element. Fortunately there’s enough of the former here to continue the steady evolution. Certainly there seems to now be enough of an identity to banish any further hesitation and zip forward amidst the flailing of those distinctive horns and a danceable vigour. Perhaps it’s time for a longer record too.