Spring Tigers

Self-Titled

(Bright Antenna)

A guy from London, fronting a band from Athens, Ga., doesn’t sound quite right on paper. But musically speaking, Spring Tigers sounds just right. On the band’s self-titled, six-track mini-album, (which might as well be an EP), the group is able to produce some excellent, catchy pop-goodness in under 18 minutes. Odds are this has to do with the band’s singer/guitarist Kris Barratt, formerly of the band The Capes. Supposedly Barratt was kicked-out, deported, asked to leave or whoever knows from England, but that has only since benefited the Athens music scene.

The mini-album flies by at a blistering pace. Once one song’s hook has grabbed hold, another track quickly comes up, further sinking its claws in. “Car Song” is a fantastic choice for a lead-off track and immediately sets the tone for the rest of the mini-album. This is bouncy pop to say the least, and aptly titled as I could definitely see myself putting the pedal to the metal, as the kids are known to say.

The music is primarily guitar/synth driven, almost drowning out the vocals at times. Listen in and as happy and joyful as the music may sound, Barratt’s lyrics can be a little bit darker.  On “New Improved Formula” he chants “I feel like I might lose my mind, I am paralyzed” - not quite the happiest announcement to make.

Regardless, the music here on this mini-album is fun as hell. This is happy, peppy pop, no way getting around that. The song “Just Suggesting” manages to throw in some “do, do, do’s” and if that isn't cheerful enough for you, then I don’t know what will be. The last track, “Stripmalls in the Sun,” deviates from the formula for more down-beat fare, but that does not take anything away from Spring Tigers’ highs. When Spring Tigers release a proper album, they will be an act to look-out for. Til then, this mini-album will be enough to whet the appetite.