Reviewed by Paul S Ganney

This EP has my nomination for the best-named CD of 2012 (even with six months to go). This Nottingham-based band demonstrate they have bags of energy, and no doubt go down a storm on the live circuit. The guitars do the business: driving, riffing, distorting. The drums do their job, keeping it all running in the right direction. The vocals are fine, but occasionally slightly out of tune (mind you, so were the Beatles - which is probably the only time this band will get that comparison, unless it's "Helter Skelter" or "Revolution"). Early To The Vineyard are at their best when at their most full-on, as in the title track (I loved the chanted title). The more laid-back "Oh No" doesn't really work for me. There's a bit of Arctic Monkeys in their sound, but with edgier guitars. They describe themselves as post-hardcore rock, which I'd not argue with. The CD starts well and closes well (the ending of "These Thoughts Of You" is very strong) but is a bit muddy in the middle. Still, this is a pretty impressive debut.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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