This revisit of the second EP from Hungry Kids Of Hungary is a welcome one. It is a good collection of four very enjoyable songs, played through with upbeat enthusiasm and ability. With this EP they improved tenfold on their self titled debut EP, which had six songs with no real structure and raggedy production. You could always see that there was better to come, especially with such a likeable vocal but the slight departure in sound plus a decent production job bolsters the entire dynamic of the group. The band sound like they have immersed themselves in the sound of 60s and the storytelling structure of the late 90s indie groups such as Belle & Sebastian and the Bluetones and it is a very potent combination that produces some joyful moments.
Opening track Two Stones is a classic sounding pop song with a great sing-along chorus. The guitars and keyboard work just sound sublime together and the solo vocals and harmonies just conjure up a bygone era in pop music. It is a fantastic song and a real pick me up. Scattered Diamonds has a great guitar hook to draw you in to another great tune. It sounds very much like a modern indie song but yet again the chorus is a great example of how to utilise all your performers and how to make a harmony work without it sounding like a manipulative device. Old Money is a slow beat piece of work that brings to mind early 70s Rolling Stones when they tried epic. Its a very strong piece of music, and it proves they dont shirk away from the more serious side of life. Closing track Good Times is another nostalgic trip down music lane and another great example of how to make simple and effective music.
Four songs, all of them pretty spectacular. Roll on the next record from these good guys.