London's Mt. Wolf released their impressive debut EP, 'Life Size Ghosts', toward the end of last year, and have seen their stock rise considerably since. Recently announcing a new headline show at London's Union Chapel, alongside a slew of festival appearances, they've unveiled another set of enrapturing dream-folk songs with the 'Hypolight' EP.
Title track 'Hypolight' opens the EP strongly and serenely, showcasing the band's growing expertise in combining compelling beats and ethereal electronica. This is continued (albeit not quite as successfully) on 'Veins', whose initial moments are reminiscent of Boards Of Canada before moving in a more folk-led direction.
The darker 'Shapeshift' echoes its name, its busy instrumentation seemingly changing at every turn, responding to the subtle inflections of Kate Sproule's beautifully emotive vocals. Sproule's vocals make their most significant impression on the closing track of the EP as Mt. Wolf craft a surprisingly tender cover of Usher's 'Climax'.
Whether they opt for a stripped back approach or opt for more densely layered production, Mt. Wolf somehow create a wonderful ambience - the type of band that puts the listener immediately at ease, while slowly drawing them into their sonically magical world. The 'Hypolight' EP cements Mt. Wolf's arrival as one of the most exciting bands in the UK today.
★★★★
(8/10)
(8/10)
Listen to the 'Hypolight' EP above, and purchase at amazon.co.uk. Find more info at mtwolf.co.uk.
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