Graystar - Singles EP

With homogenous indie-punk combos saturating the airwaves it's somewhat refreshing to hear the sobering sound of Edinburgh's Graystar. The band's 'Singles EP' is far from original, it owes much to the sonic claustrophobia of the shoe-gazing era, but there is a naivety that charms like the ramshackle Alfie once did. Rather than churning out predictable laments that aspire to little more than myopic commercialism, Graystar has created an EP of beautifully poignant songs that gently etches its way into your heart. Free is as mesmerising and simplistic as Shack's Comedy, with a vocal dripping in sanguinity and fleeting keyboard that pines with desire. The band can borrow too heavily from their contemporaries, particularly on the Doves-inspired Freaks, but each track is wonderfully crafted and full of intrigue. It may not emanate from the trilby-adorning indie conveyor belt but this Graystar is sure to shine brightly this year. [Billy Hamilton]