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Ten years on since they gave the us the debut album from The Strokes, it seems apt that Rough Trade are releasing the debut EP from Howler. A band that are offering so much promise in the early part of this decade, in a similar way to what The Strokes did at the start of the last.
Ten years on since they gave the us the debut album from The Strokes, it seems apt that the Rough Trade are releasing the debut EP from Howler. A band that are offering so much promise in the early part of this decade, in a similar way to what The Strokes did at the start of the last. Howler, are a five piece from Minneapolis, currently working on their debut album and due to tour the UK later this year supporting The Vaccines.
If you are in search of music that is experimental and sounds like something that you have never heard before then this EP is not for you. If however, you are looking for music that sounds familiar, music that sounds as though it has always been with you, music that you will never tire of then this is the EP for you.
Throughout the EP comparisons to The Strokes are inevitable, you can also hear influence from The Drums, British Sea Power, Teenage Fanclub and early Razorlight (back when they were good). The EP is full of instant catchy songs that will fill the indie dance floors throughout the country. Despite the upbeat and positive sound of the EP, the lyrics appear to be focused on the break up of a relationship. The opening track ‘I Told You Once’ has the lyric “I wish there was something I could do, cos I hate myself more than I hate you”. ‘You Like Women I like Cigarettes’ contains the lyric “there is one thing that is true, you’re a bitch and I hate you”. There is nothing like a good break up to inspire great songs. These are songs that will sound just as good live as they do on record. Howler are going to be the must see band at next years festivals.
Howler are being tipped as the next big thing by the music press, if this debut EP is anything to go by then it is going to be an exciting time ahead. Howler has done nothing to reinvent the wheel with this EP, but the wheel does not always need reinventing. It just needs a little bit of refreshing every now and then.
Rating: 7/10
Steve Tay
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