Alvarez Kings are a Sheffield based pop band formed in 2005 and composed of Simon Thompson (Vocals/Guitar), Paul Thompson (Bass), Will Pashley (Guitar) and Rich Walker (Drums). Their upcoming EP, ‘Patience is Strength’ is to be released on ‘Of National Importance Records’ in April. The band has a very busy year ahead of them having been invited to play at the SXSW festival for a second year running and the start of their first European tour in March, playing in a variety of countries such as Belgium, Germany, Italy, France and Switzerland. Having played alongside the likes of Bloc Party, The Enemy, Kaiser Chiefs and The Courteeners the band has considerable experience with which to take forward into this year. Their previous single ‘The Sequel’, released last March, was very well received and Alvarez Kings’ new material has been hotly anticipated.

The EP starts with the title track ‘Patience is strength’ and brings with it sharp but smooth guitar riffs, these are closely followed by sizzling drum slaps. The entrance to this EP is a perfect mix of the clattering bass and drums and the clear cut, piercing chords of the guitar that scythe through this haze of the background beat. With its fast changes in pace and hugely upbeat tempo, that only the yelps of Simons’ vocals can compete against, this is an extraordinary introduction to an album. The EP squeals into ‘You, me, them, us’ which starts with a more electronic orientation and is joined by a thumping beat from the drums. Here the vocals are given more attention but there are some brutally exquisite and sharp chords between the verses. Accompanied by switch-ups in speed and chanted lyrics this song really hits the listener with some powerful emphasis.

Moving through the album each song has its own uniqueness but also the recognisable feeling that they come from the same creative heart. Whether it is ‘Dark eyed children’ with its strong power chords and emotively strained vocals or ‘Funeral reunion’ which keeps the expected loud clatter from the strings and percussion but with a slower melody and a level of melancholy attached to the lyrics that puts you in mind of White Lies, but with more optimism. ‘The Sequel’ ,as the EP’s finale is a fantastically fast paced, punchy and forceful track and with it you find yourself immersed in desk tapping to the beat and bouncing to the scream of the guitar. This is a truly fine way to polish off an already shimmering album that leaves you begging for more high volume tunes.

This EP is a combination of sounds to be marvelled at, with each element having its own space to breathe. Infusing lyrics that shout out from the speakers with high quality rhythms, this is pop-rock as it should be. Alvarez Kings bring a new British sound, that’s uniquely theirs but with throwbacks to other bands such as The Kinks or The Undertones. With a Kings of Leon feel about them and this smashing EP they may well be the soundtrack to this summer and they’re certainly worthy of their acclaimed status from the likes of NME, Spinner Music and Sandman magazine.