Opening number ‘I’m in Hell’ leads with the chorus, and it pays off as the desperate lyrics and soaring melody keep you hanging on just to hear it again. This is the sort of track that’s meant for a live set– a hands in the air, sing until your throat’s raw show. The adrenaline doesn’t let up on ‘Running Rings’, which utilises a much more pop-leaning guitar line that works to make it another highlight of the release, even if the lyrics are a little saccharine.

Things slow down towards the end, as the introspective ’24’ closes out the EP. It’s a short release and although hearing another side to the band is appreciated, the energy from the first half is missed. ‘A Fear That Comes Around’ makes a good go of showcasing all the band has to offer, but at this point it feels like it’s time for the band to release a full-length album – and we’ll be all ears when they do.

ELOISE BULMER

‘Sorry State’s pop melodies and bouncing guitars make for a great opener. Lead singer Sam Christmas’ – yep, we agree it’s a great name – vocals are powerful with a soft vulnerability, ideal for the sort of alternative music you’d be as happy bopping along to at a festival as you would be belting out in a nightclub.

Not quite as instantly catchy but a definite grower as the song progresses, ‘Way Of Life’ could be a great track to cling on to in your darker moments. Singing of “British weather and trains in the morning,” it’s a brilliantly realistic portrayal of the mundanity of everyday life with a soundtrack of rising guitars and irresistible harmonies. Steer clear if you’re offended by swearing though; it’s not one to play for your grandma.

‘Call To Arms’, crashing into racing drums and rhythmic guitars, is an anthem of positivity and hopefulness. The English pop rock influences of Deaf Havana and Lower Than Atlantis are at their most prominent in both the quiet verses and the belting choruses, and the band would easily slot in alongside them – perhaps above them – in a line up.

As if you still weren’t convinced, closer ‘Tired Eyes’ does its best to blow any notions of Best of Enemies as a run of the mill band out of the water. Lifting to an emotive crescendo, it’s a heartfelt song with some pretty damn delightful singalong moments and cements these guys as definite ones to watch for the rest of the year.

KATHRYN BLACK

“‘Sorry State’ is generally about trying to get some sort of grasp on maturity, motivation and a stable life,” vocalist and guitarist Sam Christmas reveals. “Lyrically, it embraces growing up, definitely drinking too much and not seeing family enough. We’re trying to create honest music that we enjoy and we’re really excited to just be back out with new songs.”

The band will be touring this month on a co-headline run with City of Ashes.

APRIL
26 LONDON Surya
27 NEWCASTLE Think Tank
28 MANCHESTER FAC251
29 BRIGHTON Latest Music Bar
30 LEICESTER Sumo

The band will be touring next month on a rotating headline run with Lost In Paradise and City of Ashes.

APRIL
26 LONDON Surya
27 NEWCASTLE Think Tank
28 MANCHESTER FAC251
29 BRIGHTON Latest Music Bar
30 LEICESTER Sumo

You can listen to ‘Sorry State’ below:

The band will shortly be announcing a UK tour, but for now you can catch them at the following shows:

24.02.2016 – LONDON, New Cross Inn w/ Bellevue Days
04.03.2016 – KINGSTON, Fighting Cocks w/ High rise and Brightlight City