This is the first official release from local collective The Dog Violet, who have spent the last few months recording and gigging in the South Devon area. Right from track one, it is clear that the band are determined to go against the pattern many new groups have been following – the album is mainly acoustic, and, if nothing else, it’s certainly refreshing. Hey Baby With The Blue Eyes starts off sounding like your average acoustic ballad, but once the rolling drums begin, the song picks up some momentum, and is reminiscent of an American influence, as is Box Fulla’ Blues, which follows a similar pattern, but introduces a wailing electric guitar and some deeper textures to Allister Creer’s sing-song vocals. Mary Mary, either a song about two women called Mary or one lady who was worth the repetition, is delicate and slow, but, like the rest of the E.P, is put together in a way that gives an impression of genuine feeling. The Moth is dark and contemplative, one of the most thoughtful and intuitive songs that this grizzled old reporter has heard, while Love From Me, Love From You, in all its naivety, is in stark contrast, and stands out as the weak point of an otherwise very enjoyable collection of songs. Crack Pipe Baby is as sarcastic and brilliant as it is obvious – the band have somehow contrived to make the song one monumental dig at an unspecified person, and, in production terms, it is the most accomplished track on the E.P. Eighth Horizon sounds good, but seems out of place – Ben Channon’s writing credit is effective in terms of its use of a dark bassline and some menacing static, but the overall impression is that it belongs on a concept album; perhaps a future project for the Dog Violet. Unfortunately, In Our Days simply seems to much like Mary Mary to make an impact as the last track, but maybe I am just being picky.
Overall, the casual listener might, considering the group’s rock credentials (cover versions of Aneurysm and Sunshine Of My Love, for example) expect something a little heavier and more energetic from this E.P. However, those with a keen and appreciative ear will accept that it is a fine collection of songs – well produced and written, and is certainly impressive for a completely independent debut.

P.S. In case you were wondering, the top secret, hidden track is at the end of In Our Days, and is an acoustic tune with a raw quality to it.