Who are Alicewell, you ask? Your new favourite band by the looks of it. From the Swedish town of Eskilstuna (good luck saying that to your friends), they’re joining the likes of Daylight in a European invasion of the pop-punk scene. Described already as arena ready, it might not be time for them to play shows that big yet but no doubt we’ll see them supporting some pop-punk giants.
In the same vein of alternative pop as All Time Low, the band have already attracted fans around the world. With songs like ‘Wide Awake’ and ‘Somewhere To Belong’ on their ‘Young Hearts’ album they’re sure to win over those in to radio friendly rockers that allow pop fans to have a little mosh now and again.
‘Fireworks’ races ahead as the strongest track on the EP. There’s an intangible feeling about its melodies that transport you right back to the days before the pop-punk scene had come in to its own and everything was new and exciting.
As with most pop-punk artists, a sense of hopefulness is disguised in each song by down beaten lyrics. ‘Lost You Once’, the sort of huge rock sound that Young Guns have shown us how to do well, has a video filmed with shaky camera angles and guitar close ups. It’s not unique, but echoing guitars and an Americanised vocal tick just a couple of boxes that fans of the genre love. There’s something haunting about the, “burn, we’ll burn, we’ll make it through the night” chant at the end as well.
‘Young Hearts’ is a cracking closer to the EP, with a killer hook and lyrics that’ll get clung on to by young fans and the passion of lead singer Jonatan Nyberg-Kaski is shouted out in every line.
If you’re a fan of pop music, don’t be shy to admit it. Alicewell might just provide you with a pick me up dose of pop-punk to blow away those rain clouds outside at the minute. If you don’t like your music too sickly sweet, however, maybe stay away.
KATHRYN BLACK