EP Review | The Ivys – In The Company Of Wolves

By Chantelle Sievers
The Ivys have set the bar high for themselves, with a reputation for amazing live shows, supporting big names like Keane, and releasing a well received debut EP. Their long-awaited new EP, “In The Company Of Wolves” demonstrates that they still have plenty to offer.

This is a solid collection of new tracks with a more complex and mature sound. Luke Hannaford’s voice soars through each song. There are plenty of riffs not thrown in but cleverly worked in, so no track gets dull at all.


Indeed, all five tracks deserve comment. The opening song, “Smaller The Print,” has been feeling the love on Triple J Unearthed this year. Well deserved, too; the chorus is catchy and energetic and the bass and drums create the layer of sound that makes this EP so interesting to listen to.

“Smoke And Mirrors” starts slow which is a nice change of pace. It could be compared favourably to Interpol back when they still had it. It is soulful and emotional without becoming whiny, an easy trap to fall into.

The title track “In The Company Of Wolves” sounds more like their old songs but not in a bad way! The inflection in the second chorus makes the listener want to sing along out loud.

The bass on “In Rodeo” is simply addictive. The prechorus – (‘Join hands, the rest will follow’) has a great hook and the touch of reverb on the vocals helps. If flaws must be found with this recording, one is that the chorus on this song can not live up to the prechorus! The guitar solo is smooth and puts the song back on track.

“The Last Divide” is truly anthemic. The guitars work with each other beautifully and the drums, not subtly, engage the listener. This is the kind of song to close a set with; a crowd would all stand up and sing along with their lighters in the air.

There is only one other flaw to mention about this EP: five tracks were not enough. This is a superb collection of songs from The Ivys and it only whets the appetite for their next release.

By Chantelle Sievers

www.facebook.com/theivysmusic


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