Rotary Ten - Demo EP

With some huge support slots already under their belts, it would appear that Sheffield-based Rotary Ten are already on the right track to big things. This demo goes some way to explain why.

The Smiths-esque opener Action! Man immediately impresses with a vocal line that manages to be at the same time both soaring and incredibly catchy mixed with a delay laden guitar reminiscent of the sound which has seen Bloc Party receive much acclaim (though it should be noted this demo actually pre-dates the release of the Bloc Party’s LP). Backed up by a roaming bass line and clickety-click symbols, the song eases gloriously between its various passages of break down, build up and epic chorus. The achingly wailed Why did I bother? stands out as a highlight in a very accomplished piece of alt-rock.

The vocal talents of James Trafford are further displayed on the slow-burning Endings where he sounds like a cross between pre-"Kid A" Thom Yorke and Echo & The Bunnymen's Ian McCulloch, though one gets the feeling that lazy Radiohead comparisons are likely to begin to grate on the band sooner rather than later.

The band does possess much more than just a gifted vocalist though, with brother Stephen providing the glistening guitar sounds and a very able rhythm section that gets its chance to fully shine on the track All You've Kept Of This World Is Its Colours, perhaps the closest that the band gets to a straight-forward rock song.

The brilliantly titled On Being Lied To is the perfect way to close the EP – building gradually via the yearning vocals and subtle guitars into a crescendo of screeching solos. We fall for it sings Trafford as the song revs up and it's a fair bet to say that most people that hear Rotary Ten's music will be falling for them too.

An excellent EP from a band with huge potential to succeed.