The Dublin four piece TNLYF could be described as an indie-pop band. It’s a wan label: ‘indie-pop’. It does not really mean much of anything. It seems to be used to denote any band that features members with floppy hats or slick haircuts. In relation to the music itself, the term is too vague to indicate any particular type of sound. All the same, it is inevitable that this label will be used with bands like TNLYF. Luckily for us, this indie-pop band’s début EP, ‘i’, features a sound that transcends tired headings and haircuts.

TNLYF have created a warm and striking pop record. Reflect opens with grand guitar strums that expand and shimmer; think of phosphorescence, of petrol slowly spreading over a puddle. A rising piccolo guitar moves under a melodic vocal. Here, a gazing affair coyly evolves into a pop anthem. It is a sumptuous opening track with hit potential. All three of the EP’s tracks have this potential. And so does the band. For sound, imagine a cross between Jagwar Ma and Kodaline. Attention is paid to melody but not to the detriment of substance. TNLYF does not lose itself down the rabbit hole of watery pop-infectiousness. And they look good in black and white. It doesn’t hurt.

Greg McLoughlin’s vocals are dramatic and distinct. In Confession they drive a yearning, woebegone melody. The song is reminiscent of the sound created by Montreal group Half Moon Run. I’m Still Here is the most distinctly ‘pop’ offering of the record. Like the band’s earlier single release, Defeated, this song has great radio playability. Bellowing lyrics and caterwauling guitars somehow meet to create beautiful melodies. It’s all quite epic really – lots of reverb, multi-layering and big backing vocals.

It would be surprising if this band does not become very well acquainted with the airwaves in the coming months. In terms of ‘indie pop’, ‘i’ rivals most other releases of 2015, and it is good to see that behind the haircuts, there is a firm musical footing, and a fervent, beating heart.

TNLYF will release their début EP on September 18th through 177 Recordings.