Welsh seven-piece injects fun into the Arts & Crafts catalog with an EP produced by Broken Social Scene’s Dave Newfeld. The six-track release features songs that will most likely be on their eventually LP, including two that were already released as a double A-side. It’s an exciting preview of what’s to come, as their rambling pop exudes a youthful party scene without pretension.
The opening track, “We Throw Parties, You Throw Knives” uses their commonly used male/female vocal duo and a plucking groove highlighted by distortion and xylophone neatly at the same time. Lead guitarist and singer Gareth has a distinctively Mike Skinner-esque cockney ramble, and female singer Aleksandra provides a charmingly innocent counter-vocal. “Don’t Tell Me To Do The Math(s)” has a light, punk-pop beat with fuzzed-out guitars and similar duelling vocals. “You! Me! Dancing!” sounds as rambunctious as the title indicates.
The exclamation at the end of Los Campesinos! is an indication of the excitement they build into each song. Quick beats, even quicker lyrics, and a free-for-all style of pop makes their EP one of them a solid, fun summer release. What’s better, their debut album should be an even more complete dose of energy.
