Little Green Cars - Harper Lee EPIn the last twelve months, Little Green Cars‘ popularity has been growing rapidly both here in Ireland and across the pond in the UK, and America are on to them too! The folk five-piece have gotten lots of radio play since releasing their début single The John Wayne. They’ve been named ‘Ones To Watch’ in the New York Times, The Guardian and were featured on the BBC Sound of 2013 long list. All this, and they have yet to release an album.

It’s coming though; the eagerly awaited début ‘Absolute Zero’ drops in April. Luckily we can get our LGC fix in the meantime because the Dublin group have just released the ‘Harper Lee EP’ which includes their new singlethe eponymous Harper Lee, and three other tracks. Showing off their blissful harmonies and song-writing talent, the EP is a stunning collection of songs that are well put together and full of substance. We wouldn’t expect anything less.

Named after the American author responsible for ‘To Kill A Mocking Bird’, Harper Lee is a catchy folk song with immaculate harmonies. Like their previous single, The John Wayne, they reference an American figure and also refer to guns as they launch into that big chorus; “There’s a gun in the attic / Let me go grab it“. It’s a similar formula but it’s one that works. They could surely have another hit on their hands here.

10 O’Clock is peppered with nature imagery and is a frank exploration of fear with uplifting moments of wisdom: “nobody needs to be happy everyday“. They’ve a powerful grasp of song-writing and an ability to hit beneath the surface with raw subjects, then quickly lighten up again with upbeat melodies and life-affirming choruses.

The final two tracks are demos. Red is a short track, sang a cappella. It shows off Faye and Stevie’s incredible vocal harmonies and ability to deliver a stunning song, even without instruments. The second demo, Spider’s Leg, is atmospheric and tender. Faye takes the lead vocally and sings with all the quirkiness of Kate Bush in this timeless track, interspersed with beautiful violin.

Little Green Cars are always a pleasure to listen to. They have a magical ability to grab their listeners, take them on a journey and hold them in that space until the song’s over.   They may have had a good 12 months, but with the release of their album getting closer, the next 12 have the potential to be magnificent.