Santiago - Pyrotechnophobes

In 'Pyrotechnophobes' Santiago have produced a proper genre-abusing, house-tinged smash. These Durham mashup-masters spew out more genres in one tune than most bands can muster in a few albums, switching effortlessly from trance to hard rock to jangle pop to alt. thrash... and that's only within the first minute! Sounds a bit like Interpol dancing in a club with Slash and Oakenfold, but much, much better.

EP Review

1. Fade

2. New Puritans

3. Please Do (Acoustic)

Santiago's demo is a complicated beast. A mixed bag of styles that fuses chimes and soars and 'whoas', with a melancholic tinge around the edges. Their sound is one of a less-morbid Joy Division, with a bit of Razorlight brightness and power-pop chorus thrown in just to cheer the whole thing up.

I'll be honest, I was undecided about 'Fade' at first. On my first listen I was just a wee bit bored, wondering if this was the same "quiet verse - loud chorus" rock song that bands constantly write (and end up sounding like everyone else!) However, on my second listen I had a much different experience. Edgy vocals, swamp-echo guitar and outer-space synth electro-spasms I somehow missed on my first listen came to life. Hence, my fingers are tapping away like crazy trying to get this down before I come back to Earth! Definitely one that gets better with each listen.

The vocals on 'New Puritans' was bound to draw comparisons to Razorlight, but I only feel the influence has hindered this track. A little more flow and less stabbing 'ohs', and lest we forget the 'ah ohs', would help this track along. It's got a nice jangly rhythm, and some haunting synths, and they constantly bounce off each other spawning new soundscapes and feelings. A real journey.

I was a bit sceptic when I saw the word acoustic, but any doubts I had were immediately blown out the window. 'Please Do' is an emotional, stripped back classic which just yearns to be listened to. To be honest I'm not sure if I want to hear the full version as it might spoil the dry, raw feel that's been captured here. I might just be tempted to pull the plug when I see them live so they HAVE to play this acoustic, it really is that good.

What started out as a slight stumble has turned into a full-on sprint. This is a raw and intimate demo that will capture your heart and not let go. Brilliant.

Overall 7/10

IN A BAG: A less sad Joy Division with Razorlight stabs leaps forth and grabs you with intimate, heart-filled swells of synth-tinged emotion.