Honeytrap - The Naked Dancing EP

Citing the influence of Kate Bush, mid-period Flaming Lips and Sparks, Coventry four-piece Honeytrap certainly prepare the listener for the eccentric. Indeed, in this respect, the Naked Dancing EP does not disappoint, with a variety of oft-mismatched vocal styles wrestling over spiky guitars and minor-key violins. At times this seemingly haphazard approach comes off just fine, most notably on "live favourite" 'Spotlight', where the initial vocal sparring gives way to an almost grand, violin-led chorus. Final track 'Mussolinni's Son' evokes Velvet Underground's 'Venus in Furs', with an Eastern tinge to the repetitive guitar riff adding further to the air of mystery. An intriguing listen, although more likely to leave one ponderous than in the mood for dancing, fully clothed or otherwise. [Jon Seller]