Club Smith - The Loss EP Review

Review of Club Smith's EP The Loss released through All Sorted Records

'The Loss' is a debut release from Leeds four piece Club Smith and if this EP is anything to go by, then we should be a very excited collection of music fans.

Don't be fooled by the title of the first track; 'Lament' is a catchy, indie-rock number that would probably make some radio playlists if Club Smith were more established. With a plethora of synths, jaunty drums and some really good vocals, the track is immediately enjoyable. It calms down towards the end with a repetitive, almost anthemic, sound. This isn't just a track to listen to and enjoy once; it should fight its way to being a permanent fixture on your daily playlists.

'The Loss' EP from Leeds-based Club Smith, is an enviable debut release, recalling the electro-indie-with-anthemic choruses of 'Hot Fuss' era The Killers, but with a subtle touch of darkness here and there, adding additional depth to the Club Smith experience.

Second track, 'Courtyard' continues where 'Lament' left off; perhaps a little too much; it sounds remarkably similar in fact, which considering the first track is so good, shouldn't be a criticism. However, the second half uses the same formula, with the repetitively chanted lyrics "you can never say this love was wrong/ you can never say this love was wrong". This will no doubt work at Club Smith's live shows, but on record comes across as though the band only have one structure and that's a bit of a disappointment.

'Connected' is a good example of a traditional indie track, with cleverly contained verses that effortlessly lead into a catchy chorus. The smooth drums and sharp vocals both add to this - it seems Club Smith are more than capable of producing high quality indie tunes that will no doubt build a following more quickly than the average band doing the rounds. If Club Smith reproduced such a noise when live, then the audience is in for a treat.

Final track, 'No Friend Of Mine' mixes a couple of genres, which if not done correctly can prove disastrous; luckily, Club Smith are accomplished enough musicians to sidestep this potential minefield. It's less traditional 'indie' than the previous three tracks, moving into pop with a deliciously darker edge. If there's one criticism to be made, it is that towards the end of the track the lyrics "we're all brothers but you're no friend of mine" get a bit repetitive. It's almost as if the band think that is sounded ok, couldn't think of anything else to say, so just stuck it on repeat.

This four track debut EP is overall a great selection of songs; Club Smith should be proud of themselves. They have easily blended some of the most popular musical genres and produced some strong tracks that should, if there's any justice, get a dedicated following. If you're looking for a new band to follow, you could do a damn sight worse than track down Club Smith at a venue near you soon.

Katy Ratican