For any young band, it can be tricky to create a lasting first impression. Eastbourne upstarts The Holiday are in that exact position as they release their debut EP ‘The Good Life’.

Formed just a year ago, the quartet have quickly crafted seven songs that are firmly of the pop-rock variety. Over the course of the seven songs on offer, they display a sound that is full of youthful energy and confidence. However, the downside is that songs like the title track and ‘All I Sorrow’ come off as routine and formulaic. Nevertheless, they are subtly addictive through their use of well-timed hooks.

It is that melodic playfulness where The Holiday shine. ‘Listen To Me’ rides on the coat-tails of a simple-but-effective “da da da-da da” even if you’re fooled into thinking it’s a You Me At Six song. Meanwhile, ‘I Try’ combines Richard Dack’s confident vocals with a groove-laden bass line and vibrant guitar work.

‘Inside My Head’ hints at a more angsty side. Dack’s delivery is filled with bitterness and is complimented by a loose rhythm guitar and a stringent lead, whilst closing track ‘Headlights’ falls into the trap of being a balladesque closet with accompanying female vocals courtesy of Tiffany Robinson. Nevertheless, it welcomes a change of pace to proceedings and shows The Holiday’s versatility despite their young years. Stripped down and full of heartache, “headlights are bright, instead of guiding me, they’re blinding me.”

The Holiday’s first step on the ladder is a promising one. They’ve laid down a foundation of admirable pop-rock that is carried with relatable lyrical substance for any young listener. It’s clear they have the knack to write strong hooks, they just need to forge an unforgettable identity, rather than shadowing their influences.

2.5/5

‘The Good Life’ by The Holiday is out now.

The Holiday links: Facebook|Twitter

Words by Sêan Reid (@SeanReid86)