For Leeds quartet Bad Ideas, ‘The Better Parts of You’ could be considered a new beginning for them. Having originally started as a solo acoustic project for vocalist San Cook, this four track EP is the bands first full-band effort and the results are certainly promising.

‘I Prefer You Way Beyond Inebriated’ kicks off the EP in an energetic punk-like manner with bursting guitars before momentarily settling into its sombre tone to match its title. It mixes indie rock guitar with a hint of folk punk with a strong effect.

‘Clumsy Hands’ sticks to a similar formula yet allows Cook’s melodic and very British vocals to shine, whilst ‘Birds Head South’ emerges as the EP highlight. With an opening verse that is reminiscent of The Menzingers, its steady tempo builds to a catchy chorus that flourishes and displays the bands multi-vocal harmonies to come into play. However Cook’s ability to take lead is still in tact whilst spiralling guitar lines compliment.

The EP ends just past the 17 minute mark with ‘Kathleen’s Advice’, a more laid back affair with its indie guitars and playful harmonies yet it doesn’t quite leave the lasting impression you had hoped for.

For the most part ‘The Better Parts of You’ is a honest EP that sees a band sticking to their guns and avoid becoming something they’re not. The quality of songwriting is strong and all four songs have a sense of accessibility, which gives Bad Ideas the potential to be noticed. Their blend of rock, punk, indie and folk elements proves to be effective, and adds their promising sound. We’ll definitely be checking out future releases from Bad Ideas.

3.5/5

‘The Better Parts of You’ EP by Bad Ideas is out now on Uncle M and Paper + Plastick.

Bad Ideas links: Facebook|Twitter|Bandcamp

Words by Sean Reid (@SeanReid86)