The Little Flames - Isobella

Isobella bursts out of feedback into intense alternative rock. Sinister and aggressive, the Little Flames still seem to be excited by the possibility of the guitar. The melting distortion and disgruntled attack set them above the macho crop of indie-rockers who are content to retread the great riffs of the past. The verses ease the pace just enough to make the choruses all the more anxious and threatening. The instrumental version reveals the debt to Sonic Youth more obviously, but also elucidates their cunning use of dynamics and song structure. Eva Peterson's disinterested voice and cutting lyrics focus the song into a sharp blast of passion and anger: a short and enthralling single. [Gareth K Vile]