Scruffians

Scruffians' first EP is available for free SoundCloud.

Like Alt-J with an indie-rock injection, this Jersey-based band offer something new in their first EP. 

Scruffians are a band that try something new: they take the style of indie-rock legends such as the Arctic Monkeys and The Strokes, and twist it with their own form of fast-paced distortion that, sometimes, works perfectly.

Think of Trapped Underneath, the song that kicks off Scruffians' first EP, as their audition tape. The song establishes the group's style and is nearly flawless in its execution. With a skilfully created melody, excellent guitar and drum work, a great Britpop-esque voice and an incredibly catchy chorus, this song is hard to dislike. Trapped Underneath is the definitive indie-rock article, showcasing Scruffians' undeniable musical talent and originality. This song wouldn't go amiss in any indie or alternative playlist.

The rest of the EP has its ups and downs. Something Unheard Of is an ambitious and raw feat. The song combines an energetic, electronic melody akin to the likes of Two Door Cinema Club, with an overlying almost-hard-rock riff. The combination is intense and unique, and almost works. The melody itself is brilliant, but the song is messy - the vocals don't always match the style. Still, the song is generally good, and well worth having on your iPod.

Rats is a display of wonderful lyricism and vocals from both singers. However, the melody that accompanies the vocals seems like a simple rehash from the previous two songs, and unfortunately becomes tiresome and repetitive after the two minute mark. Shot Down By Starting Guns is much the same: though harmonic, the instrumentals stretch the patience of the listener with their length. Both songs last over 4 minutes and could do with a trimming to maintain their appeal and originality.

Cutting Corners, however, ends the EP on as high a note as it started, introducing a more stripped-down, acoustic Scruffians that doesn't fail to please. The lyrics and the vocals are a little unperfected but are still a joy to listen to, and as catchy as the rest of the EP. The quiet-loud-quiet structure of the song, the chorus kicking in effectively with the indie-rock style that Scruffians dominate throughout, is reminiscent of the Pixies and is executed expertly.

You wouldn't believe this to be Scruffians' first EP: they twist the indie-rock genre with a poignancy that's hard to define, creating brilliant lyrics and good melodies to back it - the EP is ripe with sophistication and bold ambition. Though imperfect, songs such as Trapped Underneath and Cutting Corners showcase Scruffians' true musical talent and flare - this is a band to keep your eye on, for, with some refining, they have the potential for a successful career.

7/10 - They can be sketchy and messy, but some songs smacks of pure brilliance.

Scruffians' Soundcloud: www.soundcloud.com/scruffians
Facebook: www.facebook.com/scruffians
Youtube: www.youtube.com/user/ScruffiansBand