The feedback-soaked switch from jangling opener 'Tall Trees' to the squall of 'Loud Storms' serves as a good few representative seconds of this six-track demo EP; Dragonflies Draw Flame sound as if they're as yet unsure of their precise direction, so instead noodle their way into post-rock, indie and punk corners whilst always ensuring a safe path back to base camp remains open. 'Sallow Fields' certainly falls into the former categorisation, its atmospheric guitars reminiscent of Tristeza at their skyscraping best, although occasional breakdowns owe more to the UK-bred influence of Spy Versus Spy.
As with many bands' early adventures into recording, this EP isn't without technical fault - the vocals generally lack any real presence (one feels that with better equipment to hand the song 'Distance Out In The Cold Air' could rival, if not better, Idlewild's recent forays into luscious indie rock pastures) and the four-track restrictions do hamper other otherwise accomplished efforts. The gentle, acoustic 'Last Minute Change Of Heart' holds up best to such limitations, but doesn't necessarily indicate the direction in which these Midlanders are ultimately headed. The four-piece should nevertheless take comfort in the knowledge that these songs have all the hallmarks of future success. Fans of the indie end of the Big Scary Monsters spectrum and of the Subjugation releases of old are advised to investigate these guys immediately.
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7Mike Diver's Score