Just when I thought every CD we were receiving was about as good as the Scotland football team, along came a record from a bunch of Exeter lads that has reaffirmed my faith that lovely bands do still exist – even if they are hidden away in deepest, darkest Devon. Skiptracer sound a little like My Awesome Compilation, or even The Maple State, covering early Get Up Kids songs; probably circa-‘Four Minute Mile’. Name-checking the likes of American Football and Stapleton as influences, the band wear their heart on their sleeve and come out with an eclectic brand of emotional rock that has enough natty hooks and clever melodies to have you singing along in no time.
This EP gets off to a very strong start with ‘From A Standing Start’, a song that has a very TGUK feel about it. It’s anthemic with solid riffs and very impressive vocals. Although, for me, this is the best song on this record, the likes of ‘Ten Tigers/Dix Tigres’ and ‘Rock Before Rocky’ mix angular guitars with the kind of soaring vocals you wish every band could reproduce. With the likes of Shoe! already having made an impact on the local scene, Skiptracer continue to prove Exeter has a thriving scene.
www.skiptracer.co.uk
Paul