Tribes - We Were Children EP Review

'We Were Children' instantly brings to mind a flavour of the likes of Suede, Blue, Ocean Colour Scene and other 'nineties Britpop flavours, but that's by no means a criticism. The track sounds oaring loud verses with a contrasting catchy yet calmer chorus and obligatory guitar solo that then launches forward to a heavier version of the chorus. It may be brave to say, but 'We Were Children' is nigh on a 'Wonderwall' of its generation; it is short and snappy yet precisely formed, has already been Zane Lowe's Hottest Record In The World, and superbly announces the arrival of a band who, if they continue to churn out classics such as this, will be much loved and sung along to.

Perhaps a result of already being taken back to the 'nineties, Feeder spring to mind on hearing 'Girlfriend', another brief, verse-chorus-verse offering but again with a simple catchy chorus that declares Tribes' arrival to steal or at least share the manly, brit-pop revival-infused indie rock stage. 'Coming Of Age' then follows; an acoustic-guitar accompanied song that shows a more tender side to Tribes. The band may write with simple and predictable chord progressions and strumming patterns, but they're beneath nostalgic, youthful lyrics that everyone can relate to, sung through catchy, instantly like-able melodies, which makes their blend so endearing.

There's nothing wrong with a bit of nostalgia; sometimes you have to look back to look forwards. Either way, 'We Were Children' is a solid debut from this Camden-based collective.

Hannah Spencer