It’s already been six months since City of Lights independently released their EP ‘Ready, Aim, Fire’. Planning an upcoming tour, it’s time to give them a listen before they go and hit the road.
Originally from Leeds, their sound seems a far cry from the rainy North, with a summery, American pop-punk sound in the vein of some early noughties greats: see The Starting Line and The Ataris. Combine that with catchy pop melodies of the British bands dominating the alternative charts at the moment and it’s a wonder the band aren’t becoming a household name.
Opener ‘Here Alive’ is a powerful pop rock anthem, and lead singer Matt Dunwell has the type of vocals that sees grown men swooning. His slight growl gives a rockier edge to the melodies he is more than capable of belting out and treads the fine balance between two contrasting genres.
Further juxtaposition comes during ‘Besiege’ as quiet verses mix with loud, frantic choruses. Throw in some explosive guitars and strings in the intro for some eclectic pop rock.
‘Live It Up’, which FYI has a video you should look for on Youtube just for its absolute rinsing of British gym culture, has all the ingredients of a hit. Sing-a-long lyrics, a beat you can dance to, and instant likeability: the band describe themselves as “acoustic driven rock” but they’re proving they are a serious, proper, they-should-actually-be-really-famous pop rock band.
Not sure there’s much need for a hidden track on an EP only four tracks long, but ‘Atlas Stark’ is a far cry from the acoustic drivel a lot of bands try to make interesting by sticking it three minutes after the end of an album. With a slightly heavier sound to the song, there’s even a little bit of a breakdown making an appearance halfway through and it makes for a great EP ender.
For fans of pop-punk and rock that’s played on the radio, it’s an EP not to be missed. Treading the line between alternativeness and accessibility, City of Lights have got their sound nailed.
KATHRYN BLACK