Since releasing their first single 'Boundaries' in late 2005, Sheffield band
Alvarez Kings have been making waves on the UK live scene with their self
described blend of "indie, progressive [and] new-wave". With a dress sense
more reminiscent of The Strokes than the Arctic Monkeys, this well-tailored
five piece seem intent on distancing themselves from the unkempt crop of
'New Yorkshire' upstarts. Their current EP however, is packed with the kind
of raw, energetic songs that put them right at home on the Sheffield scene.
The opening track 'Sit Back, Hold Tight' is a rhythmic, punchy tune that
rattles along at a frantic pace a kin to the disco-punk of We are
Scientists. Lead singer Simon Pashley's urgent vocals, delivered with a
slight regional accent, take the listener on a journey through knife crime
and teenage death - a dark subject matter masked by twinkling xylophones and
a good chunk of pop sensibilities. The momentum is sustained into the start
of second track 'Hide and Seek', but the band struggle to keep it going for
the whole song. Despite its pleasing melody and satisfyingly menacing edge,
the constantly changing pace doesn't really work, making it the weakest
offering on the EP. Closing track '38 Miles' is the most adventurous of the
three. With a raucous a cappella opening, hard hitting rhythm, shouty chorus
and a new wave styled solo, it brings the EP to an explosive conclusion.
Alvarez Kings are certainly a competent, bold and tuneful lot and this EP
showcases a set of robust, dancy and catchy songs. What they lack however,
is a sense of true invention and, perhaps, the originality to set themselves
apart from other bands on the national scene. Although at this point it's
unlikely Alvarez Kings will be storming up the charts, this promising
collection of songs is an enjoyable listen that hints at greater potential.