EP – Gentlemen Recordings

Grenadeers – The Anthroposition EP (digital / vinyl)

Adwin — Wed, 13 Oct 2021 14:58:01 +0000

‘The Anthroposition EP’ is the last release coming from Dutch alternative rockband Grenadeers before they go on indefinite hiatus. Recorded live in just over one week in a self-build pop-up studio, precarious modern-day matters such as climate change, the influence of the digital world on everyday life and the increasing tension in international relations are not being avoided. This EP is the band's effort to try and find out where they, both as people and as artists, stand amidst all these elements which are facing us in the second decade of the Twenty-First Century. Answers weren't found, but unanswered questions are much more interesting anyway.

Guy Pek – Mixed Messages (digital EP)

Adwin — Wed, 01 Sep 2021 11:01:30 +0000

After touring and recording with a wide array of bands, drummer and songwriter Guy Pek now releases the first solo EP under his own name. ‘Mixed Messages’ was written and recorded in lockdown, and Pek played all the instruments himself. He also produced and mixed the whole thing. The result is versatile EP consisting of 5 songs, varying in style but held together by Guy’s recognizable voice and his attention to detail, which makes the use of a broad set of instruments and sometimes hectic rhythmic parts lock together. Guy is a very introverted person, and all the songs on the EP deal with the sense of discrepancy he experiences living in an extroverted society. Questions like: ‘how do I build relationships without losing freedom?’ And ‘how do I stay sane with all these incentives around me?’ play a central role in the lyrics. In terms of songwriting Guy draws inspiration from the late Elliott Smith, though in his production we hear a touch of the Motown era and the use of African percussion, reminiscent of Graceland by Paul Simon. Sometimes Pek’s melodies take a turn, and we can hear the echo of Frank Zappa, and to a lesser degree Steely Dan. Songs: 1. Mixed Messages 2. Here. Now. 3. Headphones On 4. Seventh Row 5. INTJ

Versari – Brûle (digital EP)

Adwin — Tue, 15 Jun 2021 13:15:57 +0000

The evolution of post-punk three-piece Versari is one of continuous propulsion. Their dark brooding sound, sits faultlessly against the seductive backdrop of Paris’ ‘City of Light’; a contrast of cultures, colliding to beautiful effect. The release of their album Sous la Peau in July 2020, saw their abrasive post-punk sound, and ambitiously painful literary outpourings, gain admiration from tastemakers and fans alike. Now, Versari have returned with a four track EP featuring three incarnations of single 'Brûle', an accompanying video starring contemporary artist Jean-Luc Verna, and a remix of 'Des Images'. 'Brûle', a menacing bass-heavy album standout, has been reimagined, remastered and shortened, and cuts deep to the heart of who Versari are. The EP will also include two remixes by artists including Gareth Jones (Depeche Mode, Einstürzende Neubauten, Wire, Erasure) and Erica Nockalls (The Wonder Stuff) as well as a School Daze remix of 'Des Images'.

NovaWilde – NovaWilde (digital ep / cd)

Max Timmers — Thu, 17 May 2018 22:00:25 +0000

NovaWilde’s indie rock mixes influences ranging from bands like Arctic Monkeys and Queens of the Stone Age to concepts like the universe, love and loss. Live, they are a powerful plea for the genuine rock show: a thought-out set that takes you from deliberate silence to a sonic earthquake.

Echotape – This Could Be Anything (digital ep)

Max Timmers — Thu, 21 Sep 2017 22:00:42 +0000

The successor to their well-received debut album, Wicked Way of 2016, UK quartet Echotape has just released the This Could Be Anything, an EP already sparking keen attention and success. It is a flavoursome dose of the band’s increasingly flourishing indie pop/alternative rock blended sound led by a single which in swift time was selected for Topman store UK coverage last month and featured by BBC Introducing.

The Wonder Stuff – Good Deeds and Highs (digital ep)

Max Timmers — Sat, 03 Dec 2016 23:00:17 +0000

1. Good Deeds & Highs 2. Welcome To The Cheap Seats (Live) 3. The Size Of A Cow (Live)

WHITE – Cuts That Don’t Bleed (digital ep)

Max Timmers — Fri, 04 Nov 2016 17:08:28 +0000

White's 10 inch EP, now in beautiful crisp digital.

Raglans – Again & Again (digital ep)

Max Timmers — Thu, 13 Oct 2016 22:00:28 +0000

“It’s been quite a coup for Raglans to land themselves a deal with one of the coolest indie labels around, Fierce Panda who have previously put out releases for Idlewild, Supergrass, Placebo and Ash. That’s a fine roster to have worked with and for an up and coming Raglans it appears to be the best place for them to grow. And part of that process is their new EP ‘Again & Again’.

In some ways it’s an apt title for this new collection of songs. It’s not a radical departure from 2014 ‘sself-titled debut album. ‘Again & Again’ is essentially more of the same. Considering the hit rate on their debut album that isn’t necessarily a bad thing. After all, If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

‘Again & Again’ opens with the typical briskness that you associate with Raglans in the form of Who Knows. From the start, there is a noticeable extra layer of sheen applied though. That could be down to producer Jason Wade from US band Lifehouse whos’ own band has a highly commercial sound. It’s a vibrant, high velocity tune that’s primetime radio ready. The rapid drum roll at the start signals intent with hurried guitar and Raglans’ trademark harmonies are present and correct. If there is a complaint is that it’s a little obvious. It is instantly likeable, but loses some if its vitality over repeated listens.

True North grabs you even quicker. It’s shimmering guitars stand out among Raglans’ catalogue of songs and makes it one of the most identifiable songs. Over time the song that stands out most is War Torn. Amongst the hustle and bustle of Raglans’ uproarious tongs, WarTorn is much more measured and builds to a resounding crescendo. It has the depth that was missing from the quick thrills of the opening songs. House Where I Was Born is another rapid-fire tune that is competent but doesn’t hold attention as much over days and weeks, certainly not compared to other Raglans songs. It just doesn’t have enough to define itself as sufficiently different form what’s gone on before.

If ‘Again & Again’ were a meal is a tasty morsel, but not the full three courses that we were expecting. It’s quick to please, but the aftertaste doesn’t linger on the palette as long as it should. For now it should be enough to tide fans over until Raglans’ next full release.”

– Frank Hughes, GoldenPlec