Thursday 24 May 2012

Knickers - My Baby's Just A Baby EP

EP review by KevW


If you're still mourning the news that indiepop darlings The Loves called it a day last year, then you'll be pleased to know that, just as every cloud has a silver lining, from those ashes have sprung another top-drawer, 60s inspired group led by Simon Love. Knickers have only a handful of shows under their belt, but this debut EP comes to us fully formed and remarkably well defined. Lead track 'My Baby's Just A Baby (But I Love Him So)' is a cracking Northern soul stomper that's heavy on both organ and handclaps and infectious enough to close down a hospital ward. The cover of Dave Davis' 'Are You Ready Girl?' provides a different retro soul hit, mixing doo-wop with Dusty In Memphis.

There's sprightly indiepop in the shape of 'A Thousand Ways' which has a country twang and horns of a similar variety to those that adorned Belle & Sebastian's early work. However, the best is saved for last and the sensory pop-overload of 'Darling' which brings further proof that the correct use of handclaps can lift a song up a notch and that the more hooks you can squeeze into a tune the better (although Buddy Holly's estate might like to play it back to back with 'Everyday' and compare melodies). Of course a band name like this is blatently asking for puns, so as this is their debut release we'll get in first by summarising that this EP is most certainly not pants and is well worth getting your Knickers in a twist about. In fact you could say it's bloom(er)ing great.



Knickers' website

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