Alphabet Backwards

British Explorer EP

Highline Records

Released: Monday 28 November 2011

November might seem an odd time for Oxford five-piece Alphabet Backwards to release such a delightfully summery EP, but at least someone's trying to keep the winter blues away. Following on from May's successful White Russian EP, this new three song offering sees the band in chirpy mood. Whether it's reminiscing on failed relationships, wanting to dance or thinking about a chance encounter one night, it's hard not to be swept up by the jangly pop on offer here.

'Big Top' sees them in Kooks-mode with a nice tale of festival fun, while 'Tonight' provides the EP with its title; detailing one night of fun. Lead single 'Taller' meanwhile sees frontman James Hitchman reflecting on an ex-girlfriend's happiness with a new flame, but it's all delivered with an enjoyably poppy acoustic backing. Might be nice to see a darker side emerge eventually, but there's plenty to enjoy here as an optimistic antidote to the city's big musical name, Radiohead.

Worth exploring.