storyfoldReturning from a period of audio silence is always difficult, but ‘The Underpass EP’ does a pretty good job of it for Storyfold.

Storyfold are a Dublin-based band that formed in late 2009, and nine months later unexpectedly scored  a national radio hit with Delphine Wakes. Their debut album, ‘Rocket Science’, was released  in 2011, and after less than a year, it had made it into the top 10 of the Irish album charts. On April 11th, their first release of 2014, ‘The Underpass EP’ will be released, with an album expected late this year. It was produced by Ger McDonnell (U2, The Cure, Kasabian) and it shows a more mature, more refined band than before.

The EP has a summery feel to it and features some of the best indie pop that’s come out of Ireland in recent times. The guitar riffs are interesting, with many songs featuring a snappy guitar solo, the rhythm section is tight and gives the songs a punchy edge, and Paddy McKenna and Lindsey Hogan’s harmonies are vocally perfect together. Each song has a different feel to it, which works in their favour, for the most part.

Title track, Underpass, is an anthemic track featuring strutting guitar riffs, a highly infectious chorus and even a kazoo. Sure to populate the national airwaves over the summer, and to provide a fan favourite sing along at concerts.

Second track, Beech Row takes a slightly more melodic tone, a little less rock driven and featuring a more emotional tone, especially through the lyrics, where as always, McKenna shines, showing off a huge vocal range to accompany the thumping bass line that runs throughout.

Third track True Love Tells You Lies is a softer song, led by delicate piano and careful guitar, but in true Storyfold style, still explodes into a big sounding song with vocal masterclass from McKenna.

Closing track Michael is perhaps the most delicate track on the album, that deals with the loss of someone. It’s a slow but passionate track, oozing indie rock talent and a fitting closer for an EP that varies in styles for all four tracks.

All in all, ‘The Underpass EP’ is very good. It showcases some interesting indie rock sounds, fantastic musicians and most of all, a band that are more than ready to take the next step of their careers towards something bigger.