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Neon Choir – Animal EP

Dana Beaton

Triangle

After the recent launch of the Animal EP on the 5th August 2010, it is no surprise that Neon Choir have been chosen as Best New UK Act at the 2009 Balcony TV Awards; this talented London-based indie rock band have a lot to offer and are on their way to a huge success. Having formed in 2003 by Amy Sutton (vocalist and guitarist) and Matthew Moult (guitarist), they added Harsha Yogasundram (bassist) and Catherine Pate (drummer) to their group on their return from South Africa to England. This new creation has a number of influences hidden within their original music, but something that will always be unique is their ability in using simplicity and allowing others to relate to them in a realistic way.

The six songs on this EP show the diversity of their abilities. The eponymous song, Animal, is a must-hear, as Amy Sutton’s smooth and persuasive voice fits extremely well with the heart-filled lyrics: “I want to bleed your liquid soul, my hands cut deep beneath your skin.” Although the lyrics may seem a little graphic, it only adds to the atmospheric emotion behind each song: something that can be lost behind guitar riffs and heavy drumming, whereas Neon Choir are in near-perfect proportion. Amy does not conform to the seemingly craved ability of a “soul” singer and is confident in her own style. Her take on music is independent and something to be admired.

I particularly like the group’s simplicity and diversity of styles, from slower-paced rock songs to more upbeat electronic tunes. Love Me Please is another great example of the vocalist’s ability, while featuring a catchy tune which will definitely having you dancing along. This is followed by another relatively energetic rock song, Shame Of It and then the EP is ended with a sentimental, intimate and quieter representation of the intensity of first love. Neon Choir are currently recognised at several venues across London (The Garage, Islington Academy, The Scala) and we can only hope to hear more from them soon.

www.myspace.com/neonchoir