Whether he’s writing songs or producing, George Mercer, known musically as My Tribe Your Tribe, clearly likes to keep busy and has recently released his self-titled debut EP. The former Boy Lights Fire front man has left the world of guitars for a more personal music exploration.

EP opener My Friends Live Here sets the tone for a synth driven experiment on the ears. Although more minimalist, there are sounds similar to New Order and Foals alike and My Tribe Your Tribe has the difficult task of remaining original, but combining it with catchy hooks – something many find impossible. The delicate and isolated picking style on guitar lays a more traditional indie texture, and one which gives the overall sound of the song the ability to expand, utilising electronics.

Outside Red  is more vocally driven than its predecessor and it comes as a surprise with a no-show chorus moment. Sometimes, a good chorus can be the saving grace of a debut EP. Not wholly concerned with catchy phrasing, it appears My Tribe Your Tribe wishes to grab the listener with subtle mind altering arrangements and the song drifts between separate identities of an 80’s dystopia and a modern paradise.

Greeted with an experimental percussive intro, for the brilliantly titled Love Not Money, it becomes difficult to see whether a truly memorable moment will surface. A gentle, sweeping keyboard floats among the soft vocal, juxtaposing the abrasive percussive nature of the song. “For love and not for money” Mercer repeats, as if willing society to reconsider its morals. This track unfortunately favours the alternative approach to melody, which some will adore, and most others will struggle to understand. However, originality must be praised and Mercer certainly has the talent to develop his sound further.

The front man admits “electronic music became a vessel” for his feelings to be communicated best. Refreshing, original and engaging, Mercer has designed quite the abstract debut here and Goldenplec looks forward to the sequel.

Download the three-track EP here (free).

Check out My Tribe Your Tribe’s first live appearance with a full live band, on the Music Maker stage this coming weekend at Vantastival.  There will also be playing a free gig in The Grand Social on Wednesday 8th May.