Proud Proud People - The Sky Suspended

UK Release: 13/02/12 - Butter Bridge Records

Courtesy of Proud Proud People, Album artwork

The eerie keyboard riff layered with the unexpected timing of the backing electric guitar opens for a grand entrance into the world of Proud Proud People. Unlike The Polyphonic Spree's 'Light & Day' similar opening guitar riff, 'The Quiet Area' increases its volume build-up with pace and busy instrumentation. Perfectly timed pauses within the songs allow for an appreciation of each chord and tempo change. After the addictive running riff in my top left I am told to 'keep the noise down / there are kids asleep', at which point, although everything becomes so much more, it's never enough to wake them. The high tempo continues and it naturally ends in a short, repetitive burst of staccato brass.

Although a short track, the catchy chorus of 'Optimus Prime' throws you straight into the mix with clear Snow Patrol influences. The increased pace in the instrumental brass and drums shows PPP's unique element to their work.

Immediately, 'Pinjo' drops you into a simple, familiar riff which, at first, may seem too easily accessible. However, Michael Clay's trumpet is key in providing something extra. Elbow's Guy Garvey is heard in Andy Cargill's effortless vocals. The gravelly, dominating voice parallels the echoed 'I'm winning', alongside the Indie rock out.

'Ark' brings us back to reality and doesn't create enough impact following three strong tracks. The final result of the overlapping repeated 'ride with me' drone, haunting church-like backing, and the odd trumpet, fail to provide a climactic point to the song making it feel as if it is no more than in the background. The dying brass finale reminds of Kid A's 'The National Anthem', but lacks the passion.

Final track 'Dornfelder' provides a successful end to a pleasant self-proclaimed 'apocalyptic post-folk with a touch of math-brass' EP. The structure of the instrumentation proves vital in the built-up to the climax of the final layering, of the percussion and brass, in particular.

Proud Proud People's latest release is Sandbach's finest and it is clear there is still potential yet to be unleashed. More variety from the lead vocals would contribute greatly as there is little time when they are being stretched or when they become the focus. Nonetheless, highlights 'Optimus Prime' and 'Pinjo' shone through to show an improvement on 2010's Festival For Forest Animals.

Rating: 7/10

Proud Proud People - The Sky Suspended

1. The Quiet Area
2. Optimus Prime
3. Pinjo
4. Ark
5. Dornfelder

Buy the EP on Bandcamp and find out more about Proud Proud People on their offiical website or Facebook.

See Proud Proud People at Manchester's Kraak on Saturday 18th February. Find out more here.

Below is a live recording of Proud Proud People's version of Drake and Rihanna's 'Take Care' on BBC Introducing from Stoke: