Raglans: Long Live EP Review

Raglans - Long LiveRaglans‘ Long Live EP is the first release on the new label from legendary Dublin music tavern, Whelan’s. Many good words have been bestowed upon the Dublin based four piece and for a first release for a prestigious name like Whelan’s, the pressure is on.

The EP opens with The Libertines tinged ‘The Man from Glasgow’ and immediately the quartet show themselves capable of writing a catchy tune that will have you singing along. The songwriting is clever and although original displays a familiarity that from the first listen, puts you at ease with their music.

‘Long Live’ is a great introduction to the band, many on their debut depend on the lead track with the rest of the EP, filling up the gaps. ‘Digging Holes’ shows the Raglans are not a one trick pony combining their indie pop tones with a trad injection via the mandolin.

Midway through the EP is a good place to try something a little different. ‘Sand In My Pockets’ still features the Raglans’ catchy hooks but with throwback production values that transport you the late fifties/early sixties. Nice approach and the stripped back production complete with double bass and old skool harmonies emphasize the band’s songwriting talents.

The Raglans were on to a good thing with this EP to start, it was partly recorded with Boz Boorer, who has previously worked with Morrissey, in his gaff in Portugal. When you have someone like that on board and it’s the band themselves who are credited as the EP’s producer, it’s either someone who is extremely cocky or like here a band confident of where they are and what they want to sound like. It’s paid off. Raglans are definitely a band to watch, they’ve written and produced five decent tracks for the EP. Pressure is on now to double that for an album.