aaamusic | On 05, Jun 2012

Just few weeks after the first single Kick In The Doors, Black Hats release their first EP, Austerity For The Hoi Polloi, a collection of six anthemic indie tunes.

In spite of the energy and the positive vibes AFTHP does not certainly stand out for originality. With its Bloc Party-esque pace and Futureheads’ inspired guitars, You Make Us What We Are sounds like a piece written in 2005 rather than in 2012. The indie-revivalism continues in Death By Record and well, you think it’s a pity because the talent of this band is crystal clear; guitar riffs are sharp like razors and the choirs by Ian, Nick, and Mark highly infectious.

The references in Blood And Space and follow up single Impossible View still draw upon the likes of Maximo Park, Young Knives, or even The Bravery. Just Fall echoes the first U2 just before the Ska rhythm reminds us that these guys would have really something to say if they found some more courage.

★★★★★

Lorenzo Coretti