With an opening song called ‘Happy Being Miserable’, you’d be forgiven for expecting a gloomy, downtrodden effort from Wales’ The People The Poet with their new EP ‘Paradise Closed’. Instead, the aforementioned track is an upbeat, two fingers up to the current culture of dissatisfaction with a racing guitar introduction and strong chords throughout. Add to that a catchy pop chorus combined with the growling rock vocals of lead singer Leon Stanford and we’re off to a flying start.
A total contrast in sound comes with ‘Club 27’. Sounding like The Gaslight Anthem, there’s a charming Americana influence and personal, storytelling lyrics. More of the same follows with a chirpier ‘Matchday’ and a soulful, pleading chorus, and this time they sound like The Killers but despite comparisons, The People The Poet maintain their own originality. Approaching five minutes long, the addition of the angelic female vocals in the last minute keep the song fresh and enthralling throughout.
Normally it’d be hard to follow such a song, but ‘Same Heart’ manages it with ease. Slow drums, stratospheric guitars and a low, pulsing bassline are an ideal starting point for Stanford’s vocals to take off and soar. ‘Needle In The Haystack’ doesn’t have the same dramatic impact but you’d be an emotional wreck by the end of the EP were it not for a little respite.
Ending on a romantic, nostalgic note – everything that makes this genre of music so important and heart-wrenching for its fans – ‘When The Fire Goes Out’ shows off The People The Poet’s ability to effortlessly tread the line between contemporary and classic music.
At less than half an hour long ‘Paradise Closed’ is a perfect snapshot in to an underrated band’s talent. Shorter than your commute to work, blast it through your headphones of a morning for an uplifting, inspiring moment and an EP to rival, if not beat, Wales’ famous arena fillers.
KATHRYN BLACK