Some time taken out and a name change later, The Burma are sounding all the better for it.

Before diving in to it, you’d be forgiven for thinking ‘Her Eyes On Horizons’ offers little other than clichés – all dressed up in fluro pink and sensual female imagery.

But the Cork outfit offers substance and style on their new EP – and a lot of vocal dexterity to boot.

Sucker For Stars is sincere and tender; awash with warmth thanks to the 80s, pop-leaning guitar features. Singer Tony O’Donovan shows great restraint on this track in particular, moving graciously along so as to allow the instrumentation do most of the work.

The most comparable vocalist out there at the minute to O’Donovan would probably Phoenix’ Thomas Mars – he knows when to project and when to hold back.

The guitar solo and variation after the second chorus is particularly dreamy, upping the ante where neccessary without threatening the track’s mellow vibe.

On Love Fades, O’Donovan is more prominent, more discerning, as is the stark bassline that anchors the track from the off. Lyrically, the verses are simply written, while the chorus packs the hooks: “I want to feel what you feel when you love me.”

Hard To Say continues with the same threatening guitars, documenting the struggle of many twenty-somethings. Backing vocals are a nice addition here, and ensure O’Donovan isn’t lost in the swell of the bursting pre-choruses.

Most interestingly, perhaps, is the helter-skelter that is Her Eyes On Horizons. O’Donovan demonstrates his impressive range – coasting low and soaring high across guitars that could be mistaken for synths.

It’s sun-kissed, California-driving music – yet it’s relevant, and it’s fresh. Admittedly, The Burma are in the very early stages of their career, and there’s room for improvement.

But on ‘Her Eyes On Horizons’, they’ve built themselves more than a solid launchpad to success. The release exudes confidence – and it’ll be very exciting to see where they go next.