In the music world, bands come and go and occasionally some leave a hole to be filled by someone else. With the likes of Kids In Glass Houses calling it a day over the past 12 months, there has been a power-pop rock void left in the UK scene. Thankfully Kent’s Bowhunter look like they’re ready to fill it, as their debut effort, ‘To Love Again’ EP is four slices of catchy guitar-driven power-pop arriving in time for the summer months.

Whilst vocalists Jack Saunders’ former band, The JCQ, took a more hardcore rock approach. Saunders’ new venture from the outset delivers a bright, feelgood sound as ‘It’s Not Over’ contains plucky, light guitars and handclaps which giveway to a soaring, hook-y chorus. It provides a lively start that remains intact for the remainder of the EP.

‘Count To Ten’ is another catchy number with playful guitars complimenting Saunders’ melodic vocals whilst ‘Escapes’ shows the quartet’s more rockier side with a driving bassline in the verse. Nevertheless the big hooks soon come into play as the chorus is vibrant with soaring “woah”’s.

‘Where We Go’ closes the EP on a more harmonious note with Saunders’ producing his best vocal display. The bands sound comes across as more refined and not as lightweight as it appears elsewhere. Nevertheless it still has that same accessible, catchy style that is consistent on ‘To Love Again’.

Whilst it’s far from an exceptional release, for a debut release Bowhunter leave you interested throughout. It’ll be interesting to see how they develop as ‘To Love Again’ sees a band still in their infancy. There is no doubt Saunders and company; including guitarist Edward Li and Nick Corney of ambient metallers Bossk, will surprise some with this collection of upbeat pop-rock. However it is a skin that suits them well.

3.5/5

‘To Love Again’ EP by Bowhunter is out now.

Bowhunter links: Website|Facebook|Twitter|Instagram|Soundcloud

Words by Sean Reid (@SeanReid86)