I saw Pennines the other night, and they seriously spent more time tuning their guitars than playing the bleeding things! They were very polite and apologetic about it, like the good natured Norwich boys that they are. Luckily when they figured out how to play their instruments (as if being in tune is really that important anyway), they did some good stuff and this three-tracker showcases my favourite side of the band. In a live setting, Pennines can be a little too mathy and fiddly for my tastes, but these songs totally lean on the more poppy side of the band. It’s all very much in the American Football / Spy vs Spy arena, with plenty of tunefulness. The vocals are not imposing, complimenting the music very well. The bass is warm and full, carrying the music without obliterating it, whilst Jem’s drumming is incredibly accomplished and never threatens to take over in a tide of tedious wankery. I think that’s why Pennines are so good at this, everything is beautifully balanced and judged with a smart ear. So credit to whoever mixed it too! The guitar sound is totally nobbled from the aforementioned Am-foot, but it all sways, it sways so wonderfully. “Collapsing New Buildings” is a beautiful song in particular, the pick of the bunch here.
This is a super EP, and a fine start from these Norwich veterans of yore. I hope they continue to understand that a great tune beats jazz technicality and make it worth my while to leave the house to go to a gig every once in a while.