aaamusic | On 17, Dec 2012

Australian indie band Cub Scouts has produced a really neat debut EP in the form of Told You So. Opening number Evie is a gentle and repetitive number which manages to stay on the right side of sentimentality. Melodious and evocative, it beautifully complemented by soft and sincerely delivered vocals and bright instrumental textures. The dreamy melancholy of the title song which follows is superbly rendered and horrifically catchy. Tim Nelson’s whispery vocals perfectly match the pensive harmonies, with chromatic synth lines offering an offbeat accompaniment alongside sighing backing vocals. Third track Do You Hear doesn’t quite achieve the heights of the first two songs, mainly due to an overly simplistic harmonic approach. Nethertheless, it’s still an attractive and wistful number to listen to. Hands is a touching and simple effort, again benefiting from the sincerity of Nelson’s vocals and sweet instrumental textures, including ethereal piano accompaniment. Final two tracks Scream and Light Me Up provide a fitting conclusion to a very impressive debut, and I look forward to hearing more from these guys in the future.

★★★★★

Rupert Uzzell