Following the widespread and critical success of their third album last year, along with a full UK tour, Japanese indie-pop four piece, Taffy return with their brand new seven track EP, ‘Darkle’, which is out now.
The EP opens idyllically with its poppiest track ‘Suicidal Bunnies’, which mixes soft sounding vocals with garage guitars, and really draws us in to the rest of the EP. The second track ‘Redamancy’ changes our expectations instantly; with an essence of the Stone Roses about it, the infectious track slows the tempo down, though maintains the soft sounding vocals we were introduced to in ‘Suicidal Bunnies’.
‘Darkles’ is a melodic masterpiece. ‘Young Tines’ showcases lead singer Iris’ beautiful voice alongside whoozy guitars, all in all the track is a psychedelic daydream, with next track ‘Remember To Remember’ conforming to a similar style. It’s nice to see the band branch out in to unknown territory on the track ‘Dr.K’, which mixes Iris’ soft vocals and punk guitars with more swagger and grit than we’re used to hearing from the band.
‘HBD’ (a whimsical version of ‘Happy Birthday’) follows ‘Dr.K’, which is a huge contrast, though I think any rendition of ‘Happy Birthday’ is probably rather a big contrast to most tracks! Though it starts off sounding innocent and sweet, It’s easy to zone in to the instruments towards the end as the track becomes extremely guitar fuelled – I admire the band’s courage to produce such an ingenious and playful track.
The EP comes to an impressive end with a remix of ‘Young Tines’ by famed 90’s psychedelic group Brian Jonestown Massacre, in which they add their touch to the whoozy guitars penned by Taffy. You can watch the video below!
‘Darkle’ is out on now on London alternative, shoe-gaze and post rock label, ‘CLUB AC30’!
