ep review ~ 'mohawk' ~ indigo fury

After the release of their debut album, the critically acclaimed "Drive", Indigo Fury frontman Rory Lavelle could be forgiven for putting his feet up and taking some time to reflect on the bands long and complex journey. Instead, he's thrown himself straight into a follow up EP, "Mohawk", giving a glimpse into the blue print for what will surly be the groups follow up album - but would we see more of the bravado and distorted guitar riffs that Indigo Fury have fine crafted since their formation back in 1996? Taylor Johnson had a listen...

Indigo Fury have spent 17 years earning their reputation for thunderous 'rock and roll' and they waste no time demonstrating that here as "Boddicker" kicks the EP off to an energetic start. What quickly becomes apparent, however, is that the the melodic qualities of the song are not lost in a haze of distortion as Rory Lavelle's voice is given a clarity all too often less emphasised by bands of a similar style. A steady and rolling bass line adds a rhythmic quality to the song, which grows in stature as the song progresses. Up until just after the second chorus, you could be forgiven for confusing this for a "Beneath the Boardwalk" era Arctic Monkeys track, with an assured and likable vocal quality similar to that of Alex Turner. Any chance of this remaining a lasting influence is soon ended, as a heavier guitar riff-laden break down ends proceedings.

'Scarf Face' retains the up-tempo dynamism of the EP's opener, with strong drumming from James Nicholl setting the pace immediately. Despite the tenacity of the heavy verses, the songs spark doesn't ignite until the chorus. The band also show that even in a rock song with a title like"Scarf Face" there's always room for a bit of culture as Lavelle hammers out the lyrics "hubble bubble toil and trouble", a line from Shakespeare's classic "MacBeth".

Things then hit a brighter note with third track 'Case Adjourned', opening with some nineties style screaming feedback and bursting into an upbeat rhythm that marks a nice juxtaposition with 'Scarf Face'. An evidently tight track, the song is built along a start-stop drumming pattern, again allowing the vocals to be fully appreciated. With it's upbeat tempo and positive vibes, this song has big live potential.

Title track 'Mohawk' ends the EP, as the Belfast rockers surprisingly opting for a choir to open the track, although it's not long before the rock guitars return and normal business is, once again, resumed. This time though there intentions are made clear, "This is a message, to all those who lack the true meanings for all the things they do" - although exactly what that message is, is never really specified and at times that's how 'Mohawk' comes across. It certainly has good intentions, the songs are well crafted and the production is solid. Although the real meaning behind the songs is never really revealed, which may make it difficult for fans to fully connect with. Perhaps that's just how Indigo Fury want it to be, adding a certain enigmatic quality. Personally I'm hoping all will be revealed with the release of album number two.

~ Taylor Johnson

If you like; Foo Fighters, Arctic Monkeys, Queens Of The Stone Age - You'll like Indigo Fury

Listen to Indigo Fury here