Album Review

Tears For Annie – Purple Heart EP

• 18th Mar 2013

Tears For Annie is a new London based electro indie band – although band does not perhaps give the full picture. Art, exhibition pieces and videos are all part of the story for a collective that describes itself as “not simply a band, but a whole artistic expression.”

This three song EP is the first sonic output from Tears For Annie, combining synths, interesting drum rhythms and a strong female vocal with more than a hint of Siouxsie Sioux to it. The EP has been widely promoted with a short video that shows a naked figure wrapped in plastic and carrying a baseball bat. I’ve no idea what it represents but it certainly got my attention.

So John opens the EP at a good pace, the expressive vocals sitting over a melody created from synths and a strong bass line. The complex backing contrasts to the bright vocals and the overall effect is positive and pleasing.

Out Of Patience has a military style drum beat that is alluded to in the EP’s title, which comes from the American combat medal. There is something menacing about the strident lead vocal, and the heavy bass works well in creating an atmospheric sound. The repetition of “bang the drum now, bang the drum” in the chorus is forceful and gives a strong rhythm to the best of the three tracks.

You And Whose Army closes the set with a more optimistic air. The higher pitched vocals are backed by more guitar than the other tracks, giving a more indie sound. With a solid rhythm and steadily quickening pace, this one builds well and its guitar hook gives it real life.

Tears For Annie have something just a bit different to offer. The somewhat mysterious nature of the group adds to the unusual multi-faceted approach and the music leaves the listener wanting to know more. And that’s a pretty good place for a first release to take you. I’ll be interested to hear/ see what comes next.

Venue: Purple Heart EP
Support Band: Tears For Annie