Most self released EP’s that appear on our doormats generally get dismissed without a look (in the ‘they’re going to be shit way’), especially ones that are slightly scratched (!) but I listened to the four tracks with an open mind, and was pleasantly surprised at what I was listening to. Tight melodies, slender vocals and a certain familiarity with the Get Up Kids all adds up to a pleasing EP release
Opening track ‘An oceanless coastline’ is a slow burner with stunning harmonies really setting the song up well for the flurry of arrangements the listener is met with. ‘Last Eleven’ is distinctly more upbeat with the vocals of lead vocalist Jon working well over a more optimistic style which upstages what we previously heard, although the feeling that the song lasts to long kind of lingers as you get towards the end of the 4.17, albeit the music is played very tightly. A rather poetic introduction on the guitar brings us into ‘Entertained’ before the electric comes back in a very tidy and tight track, which distinctly improves as the pace is picked up towards the end. ‘My cliff diving days’ ends it strongly enough with a darker bouncy effort with the chugging guitars taking the spot light.
Designated Driver are yet another exciting young band who have a keen eye for writing a good song and the music isn’t to shabby either. The old chestnut of a million other bands out there may hinder them somewhat but on the standard of this release we may not of heard the last of the young quartet just yet.
Jay