EP Review: Blaenavon – KOSO

Hampshire teens, Blaenavon have caused quite the stir of late and long may that continue, with their latest EP KOSO further instilling our faith back into British guitar music.

With sold out shows aplenty and support from the likes of BBC Radio 1 and 6 Music, it’s hard to believe they’re all still too young to buy alcohol. Choosing to drop out of education to pursue their musical careers, Blaenavon are set to follow in the footsteps of their sold-out debut releases, ‘Into the Night’ and ‘Denim Patches’ with KOSO: an EP full of vibrancy and promise. It’s a delightful showcase of maturity that belies the trio’s teenage years. Melodic opener ‘Gods’- with its soaring vocals and playful guitar licks – is a masterful introduction to the band. Bursting into an instrumental eruption, it’s a heady cacophony of clanging drums and rousing riffs.

‘Wunderkind’ follows; embodying a dream-like, rather sedative side of the sickenly talented trio. Its introspective, shimmering lead and lyrical poignancy towards struggles of teenage romance lower the tempo, yet highlight sheer talent. Slipping back into their trademark sound, there’s a sense of ragged urgency throughout ‘Prague’. Brash guitars fall amongst intoxicating choruses, before simmering into hushed musings – once more, suffused with need and vulnerability.

EP closer, ‘Lost in Paris’ carries a romantic sentiment throughout; penned by vocalist Ben Gregory “One for the Mothers”. Its subtle beauty shimmers through pounding drums and lingering vocals, ‘Forever I’ll stay this time, forever I’ll roam your mind, in the home of Versailles’, floating amongst deftly plucked guitar lines and their trademark instrumental climaxes.

This four-track offering is an extraordinary debut which continues to cement Blaenavon as ones to watch in the year ahead.

– Hannah Daisy