“I hope you see what I see.”
Coming together under the banner of Fika Recordings, adults and Spank Hair have produced a collection of four sparkling, emo-tinged tracks on their split EP, …in the big league.
adults kick things of on the EP. The south London four-piece bring their self-described ‘noisy/awk indie pop’ to the mix, and provide two bright and energetic offerings in the process. “trouble” is packed with sparkling guitars and sunny vocal harmonies, their softly melancholic Midwest emo undertones perfectly brought to life by their jangle pop stylings.
“discipline” brings a grounded and scrappy vocal delivery that is reminiscent perhaps of Kate Nash, with a charming rawness that perfectly accompanies the punchy instrumental work. Driving guitar riffs are layered with chimes and synth organ tones towards the back half of the track, with vocal features from Spank Hair rounding things up with a playful punk edge.
The latter half of the album is handled by Oxford based duo, Spank Hair. Their sonic palette is more akin to fifth-wave emo than the jangly tones of adults; snappy guitar work and perfectly imperfect vocal melodies decorate the music here.
“Cowboy Scene” bursts into the scene with a genuinely fun and infectious energy. The off-kilter rhythmic progression of the track gives the whole affair a joyous, galloping feeling, especially as the rousing brass segments rise up and punctuate the gritty punk riffs with charming brightness.
The EP closes off on a softer yet no less colourful note with “Many Phones Ago“. The melancholy of the track is brought to life wonderfully by the stripped back yet still deftly performed instruments. The soaring climax in the back half of the track is a gloriously emotive moment, whilst the guest vocals gifted by adults on this track add some pleasant sonic versatility.
As a split EP, this is more of a tasting platter of what each outfit has to offer, as opposed to a full-on buffet of emo tracks, but what is on offer is certainly enjoyable to try. Furthermore, as a whole package, both adults and Spank Hair compliment one another very well, with different interpretations of a similar stylistic source leading to a body of work that both flows well, and offers just enough variety to keep things interesting. …in the big league could be the release of two future emo darlings; only time shall tell.
7/10
…in the big league is out Friday the 26th April via Fika Recordings.