Stonesthrow - Gold Rush EP

The Gold Rush EP is instantly agreeable, magnetic rock with unobtrusive vocals and upbeat melodic riffs. It has a subtle country twang to it, with jangly, restless guitars and wispy harmonies - though they are let down slightly by naff lyrics such as "drop their hands and beg for the saviour." Although Don't Look Down ebbs on tediously; plodding along in a minimal-chord mantra - as perfected by Coldplay and chums - the soothing vocals carry it along sufficiently, and it remains buoyant over mediocrity. Stonesthrow sound likeable enough, but it's uncertain as to whether they'd hold their own atop a CD stack. [Lucy Galloway]