Reader’s Wives EP Review

Ok, this one is a great little treasure to find. It sat in my inbox for far too long as work, a hectic social life and just plain forgetfulness let it fall by the wayside, but last weekend I finally threw Secrecy and Sex into the CD player and gave it a listen…and another listen…and another. I was hooked. The five track EP from Reader’s Wives is a dark, raw compendium of what will surely be an exciting future for this Dublin band.

The brainchild of Niall James Holohan, the band produced a critically well received album in 2008, but this EP is the mark of a very solid line-up, comfortable with each other musically to allow plenty of experimentation. Chris Morrin, Doug Farrell and Disko complete the four piece, whose music is a no holds barred eclectic mix.

Sexually Attracted to Myself, is a superb Smiths inspired track, with a quirky sense of humour. My favourite track on the EP, it’s fluid and professional with a great arrangement. It also sets the mood and theme of the album - sex , confusion and loneliness. Advertising Heroin is a brash, dark, twisted drum driven tune. It quickly grows on you and for the lyrics alone, it’s worth listening to a few times. I Don’t Need To Be Seduced is a smoky slower paced track. It’s complex, with a lot going on. I just wish the vocal hadn’t been dulled so much. It’s a great song and if it was pared back a bit, it might work better.

The acoustic Dublin is All Pubs and Cranes is pure genius. It seems to tell a story, as we are taken on a journey through Niall’s feelings about life in the city. Very dark, very depressing - this is a lyrically brilliant track.

I Know I’m Not Your Hero Anymore is more sweeping than the rest of the EP. It could be the intro to a movie, invoking a lonely drive through the city with a hero who has lost his way. As with I Don’t Need To Be Seduced the vocal has been over produced, but the great song comes through. The broken megaphone sound doesn’t ruin the track, but is slightly distracting.

Like all great EPs, it’s cut painfully short. I am already excited to hear Reader’s Wives new album next year. I have heard a rumour of a second EP too, coming next February. Fingers crossed. In the meantime, if you want to know more about the band, check out their website and MySpace. I’d encourage you to spend the meager €2 and buy the EP on iTunes.