Together since only 2010 this young band sound way older than their pictures suggest. Since releasing their debut EP only two months after forming, they are not a band who are content to sit on their collective arses waiting for something to happen. Following on from supporting Framing Hanley and Twin Atlantic and also acquiring an endorsement from Blackstar Amplification, 2012 now sees them releasing this new mini-album, 'Me And What Army?'

Opening song 'Feels Like Home To Me' is a short but sweet acoustic intro track, forlorn and folky sounding, it lulls the listener into a false sense of security before feedback fades in and first song proper and new single 'No Tomorrow' drowns out the acoustic intro. It's a well crafted pop/punk tune in the style of You Me at Six, Young Guns and all the other seemingly endless contenders for the pop/punk crown. It's got a good beat, nice crisp guitars and a top notch production job, it has that certain something that just takes above the level of being too generic for its own good. The vocals of Greg McLoughlin are good, injecting just the right amount of angst into the mix.

The title track follows with urgent drums and busy guitar lines, the energy levels show no sign of slowing down. Even though it is not the greatest song you will hear this year, it flows well and has what it takes to stand tall above the crowd.

Big shout out to closer and bonus track 'Nobody's Gonna Miss Us' which adds a different dimension to their sound with some female harmonies that inject a shot of indie pop into the mix. It's pretty infectious too, and this is the route I would like to see them take as a couple of songs here teeter on the edge of being generic and a bit too similar sounding. There is enough angsty pop/punk about at the moment and the last thing we need is another, but they have a fresh sound and it would be a shame for them to disappear down that road.

'Me And What Army?' is a strong, polished and contemporary effort showcasing the talents of this young band. Although I feel they may be in danger of their songs sounding samey in places, the good outshines the average and prove that they have the talent and the songs to match their contemporaries. They have the hooks and the energy that could take them far, and I would not be surprised if we hear more from East Island City this year.

Bring on the long player boys!

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