For the pop-rock genre is very easily to compare emerging bands to those who are already established and well-known and for South Coast’s The Afterparty this is no different. On first listen ‘Restless’ comes off as a straight-up resemblance to bands to like You Me At Six and Kids In Glass Houses but after a few listens, its clear that The Afterparty are very good at what they do.

‘Sticks and Stones’ is unbelievably addictive and catchy you even feel a bit guilty for liking it. Thankfully the band don’t cross the overly-pop borderline and keep it together with a combination of driving guitars and a soaring chorus. It’s certainly a winning start.

‘So Much To Say’ begins off in a subdued manner before radiantly bursting with a bold chorus and toe-tapping verse that leaves you smiling. It’s clear that The Afterparty have got the perfect pop-rock recipe down to a tee. 

Next up is ‘Diamond Eyes,’ a stomping, boisterous number with slick guitar work that keeps up the great momentum from the two first tracks. Whilst the EP closes with ‘How To Let Go’ is lyrically sincere yet the band pull through with another bold pop-rock bulldozer that leaves you very, very hooked and wanting more.

Whilst some may see The Afterparty as mere You Me At Six imitators, others will see a promising band with a neat, concise collection of instantly addictive pop-rock that doesn’t fail to deliver. Fans of the genre will eat this up and rightly so they should. We can’t wait to hear more.

4.5/5

‘Restless’ EP by The Afterparty is released on July 2nd through Engineer Records.

The Afterparty links: Facebook|Twitter

Words by Sean Reid