At just eleven minutes long it may be difficult to form an extensive opinion of Brighton trio Loose Lips based on their debut EP ‘Cloud Your Thoughts’. In essence, the band delivers a well-crafted yet inoffensive blend of mainstream indie rock and slightly goth-driven alternative hooks that certainly carry undertones of recent Alkaline Trio material.
Unchallenging and straightforward it may be, but there are definitive moments that indicate the attention to detail in the song composition. Opener ‘Blue Rubber Blanket’ switches regularly from the comparably minimal verses to the instantly catchy chorus, and as the rest of the EP follows suit, there is an odd juxtaposition between the danceable nature of the record and its medium tempo. To their credit, Loose Lips have developed an atmosphere that wouldn’t normally be associated with the music on display.
Regrettably ‘Cloud Your Thoughts’ remains comfortably consistent throughout the three tracks on offer, never increasing nor decreasing in tempo, style or tone. Unchallenging in its nature, it is not likely to set the hearts of millions of listeners on fire anytime soon. There is unquestionable attention to detail and an understanding of the direction the band wish to take, yet the three tracks provides little opportunity for LOOSE LIPS to spread their wings. The punchy balance and catchy lyrics are likely to make the EP memorable to some extent, but without challenging themselves towards any musical or lyrical boundary the record remains firmly stuck in the middle.
BEN TIPPLE