There’s nothing more disappointing than the excitement building post-album with the release of an EP to find no new material. Instead you’ve come to find tracks you’ve already heard or that have been inconveniently remixed. Kings Lynn six-piece Deaf Havana have left no room for frustration with the release of their EP 22. The band planted clues of new material through the musical background to their Old Souls documentary ‘English Hearts’. The four-track EP includes single ’22’, new acoustic wonderment that Deaf Havana have turned into a delicacy, as well as two brand new tracks to sink your teeth into. Generous lot aren’t they?
The EP opens with single ’22’ in a self-assured affirmative fashion that glides into vocals from impeccable frontman James Veck-Gilodi through rapidity. The track explores the harsh realities of tour life, and despite a dark context, it is emitted through a positive pictorial of buoyant guitar tones and optimistic melodic musicality. If it wasn’t a firm favourite from latest album Old Souls, it will undoubtedly be after listening through this EP. It is the clear embodiment of the band taking their personal experiences, and turning it into folk-pop-rock finesse.
‘Drive All Night (English Hearts)’ follows with a delicate guitar style in sync with ‘Whoa! Whoa! Whoa!’ leading the way with beauty as the track sees the band become more experimental. The instrumental of the track saw itself emerge on their ‘English Hearts’ documentary, but intertwined with vocality and lyrical content, the final product is much more than your typical Deaf Havana. The use of instruments such as a maracas make an appearance allowing you to be transported right in the middle of a Flamenco. Whilst it lays thin with lyrics compared to other tracks, its dare to try something new is welcoming.
Old Souls track ‘Kings Road Ghosts’ is given an acoustic makeover on this EP and certainly doesn’t lack elegance or refinement. For any fan of Deaf Havana, its no hidden secret that their stripped back approach is them arguably at their best. With no more or less than James’ voice and an acoustic guitar, the track’s transformation craves for the entirety of Old Souls to be re-worked such as Fools And Worthless Liars was back in 2012.
But, the true highlight of this EP is second new track and closer ‘Whiskey’. Its reflective nature is showcased through gorgeous harmonies from brothers James and Matthew Veck-Gilodi. Its honesty and dark stance create an eery allure that is hard not to fall in love with. Its a wonder as to why this track didn’t make Old Souls. But that’s just the problem (and by problem, we mean a very good one) with Deaf Havana. Their ability to write and create easily conveyable material in a musically refined grace is consistent and on point. With their tours getting larger and billing’s higher, there’s no saying goodbye to this talent any time soon.
