aaamusic | On 10, Dec 2013

Hertfordshire-based Ecstasy are about to release their debut EP on the label responsible for CHVRCHES and Haim – so with that calibre of artist as their musical neighbours, you can expect good things from them. ‘Exhale’ immediately accosts your ears with synths, and the spacey, floating vocals are vaguely reminiscent of M83, although with a definite adolescent spin on it. There’s a good beat underpinning the song, although there’s not much of a structure to the track – which I personally like in a song. The lyrics aren’t going to reconcile any political stalemates or stop wars, but that’s not (and shouldn’t be) the prerogative of every single band. This is just a nice poppy song BY young adults FOR young adults about chilling with your mates, and the confusion of not knowing where you stand with someone you find attractive – something a lot of people can relate to. Basically, you’ll like these fellas if you like CHVRCHES, M83, and maybe Fenech-Soler.

★★★★★

Emma Dodds