Reviewed by Francesca Baker

Alphabet Backwards are releasing their final EP. This is brilliant. Because next summer they will be releasing their debut album. That’s at least ten tracks of pure endorphin ruffling pop. Can’t wait. But until then, to get us through the winter gloom the Oxford band have released their British Explorer EP. Both the title and vigour of Big Top seem a proclamation of intent, a rollicking shimmer of bright colours and lollipops, the bouncing melody that is so much part of Alphabet Backwards’ sound. Bright and breezy guitars unite with 80s keyboard synths on the spirited Tonight which, asthe best story telling songs do, make you wish you’d been there. We praised the ‘beautifully disjointed dynamic between James and Steph’s vocals, abrupt cymbals and yearning finish’ of Taller last week, and stand by it as a brilliant closer to the EP. Despite the general gleeful intensity, James’ lyrics hint at a slight note of strain , a little tart twist to the sugar sweet, and this connection to reality suggests a longevity for the band beyond many pop outfits.  Sounding almost like the next stage of maturity, it’s an exciting cliffhanger to leave us on, whetting the appetite for the next stage of Alphabet Backwards.

Reviewed by Francesca Baker

Taller, taken from Alphabet Backwards forthcoming EP British Explorer is perfectly packaged Alphabet Backwards pop. More sparce instrumentation than some, the beautifully disjointed dynamic between James and Steph’s vocals, abrupt cymbals and yearning finish all perfectly capture a song James describes as being about ‘seeing an ex-girlfriend on the street with her new boyfriend, feeling belittled about it and wondering if she still misses you, prefers you to the new boyfriend and wants you back’. With some great lyrical attempts at rationality ‘yeah, he’s get some cute points’ combined with simple frustrations at being able to express yourself ‘do you ever…ohhh’ this is a summery sounding tune with a slight winter chill. (Note the crisp leaves coming through the letter box in the video below) Alphabet Backwards are growing up, and it sounds good.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3sHbgSQ81hU]