Having produced one of the best British albums of 2011 in ‘Don’t Need Much,’ Great Cynics have returned with a short, straight-to-the-point EP entitled ‘In The Valley.’ While some may think these are three new songs, they’re actually re-worked tracks from the bands former name, Cynics, and come from the period where the project soley consisted of frontman Giles Bidder.

On ‘In The Valley,’ Bidder along with drummer Bob Barrett and bassist Iona Cairns have given the tracks new, bolsterious life that is quick and affective. The title track has a bouncy tempo with Bidder and Cairns neatly exchanging vocals. It’s a bright, upbeat opener that ideally sets the tone and gives a fast indication of what Great Cynics are all about.

The re-workings of ’14 Coleman St’ and ‘You’re Alright’ are more effective and boisterous. On both tracks, Barret and Cairns give the tracks a lively, energetic boost with the latter being rousing, bold sing-a-long anthem that is more than satisfying. Whilst both tracks are lyircally introspective and brings a sense of realism to the bands sound. 

‘In The Valley’ proves to be a worthy follow-up to ‘Don’t Need Much,’ as it takes the same ethics and approach that it had and gives the bands old tracks a newlease of life. A fun, fast stop-gap release from a band that shouldn’t be ignored. Nothing but honest, fun punk rock.

4.5/5

‘In The Valley’ EP by Great Cynics is available now on Kind of Like Records.

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Words by Sean Reid