Little Comets - The Gentle EP FLAC album

Today, I've decided to review Little Comets 2014 4-track release, "The Gentle EP." Hailing from Tyne and Wear in the United Kingdom, Little Comets have managed some solid releases to date, with albums "Life is Elsewhere" and "Jennifer and Other Short Stories" causing some buzz from the community and earning some occasional radio time. They've done it again, producing another great EP, a release with heavy lyrical content that will have fans old and new coming back for more.

It kicks off with what is definitely the most poppy track off the release "Little Italy". Opening with a slightly distorted guitar repetitively looping over percussive vocals from singer Robert Coles, a tight snare and kit keeping the drive as the song progresses, it's a more experimental side to Little Comets that I wasn't expecting. As the song progresses though, it's clear to see they're still packing their usual charm, as you really do find yourself tapping along.
The lyrical depth of the band really shines on the second track and my personal favourite, "The Blur, the Line, and the Thickest of Onions". The song is a direct critique of the music industry, and the complacency of society, that we have become adjusted to the way things are, oblivious to all the problems surrounding us. The song takes aim at the industry and the use of "abusive body image as a form of control, and the typical portrayal of the feminine role", and a society with "minimum culture, minimum wage", an industry that makes music that lacks depth and feeling, and that degrades women. These highly deep lyrics are accompanied by exposed vocals, and dark, chilling, almost garage sounding beats creating a dark atmosphere, giving more power to the lyrics.

"Coalition of One", the third track on the EP, is truly a showcase of Little Comets ability to drive home a message, taking a stripped back approach. The song strongly conveys the feeling of many around the world, of being let down and disappointed by the government, drawing a connection to the listener with lines like "There's so many people, that feel the same as I do". The simple acoustic guitar arrangement, coupled with the emotive lyrics and vocals further convey the message, with only a simple, garage style drum beat accompanying it to keep continuity between the previous track.

The final song on the EP is "Early Retirement", a melancholy track that highlights the maturity of the band. Robert Cole takes the lead on vocals again, accompanied only by a tentative piano, showcasing the vulnerability of the lyrics, in the repeating line "I'm worn down by it all". It truly is Little Comets at their most exposed, and they stand up to the challenge.

Little Comets have managed to do it again, producing yet another great, re-listenable EP, laden with deep lyrical content while still maintaining their classic catchiness. I look forward to more Little Comets in the future and can't wait to see what they do next.