Hailing from Hertfordshire, 13 Riots combine the sounds off Panic at the Disco and Drive by Argument. But rather than force the ‘lets try and act strange to gain attention’ method upon our ears (like Panic at the Disco do), 13 Riots have a much more heartfelt sound (dare I say the ‘e’ word?), the Panic influence is mainly heard through the vocals. Worry not, I know I used the word heartfelt but this EP doesn’t contain any overly soppy or unimaginative lyrics, it’s not a song by The Feeling or Scouting for Girls (sorry, I know they’re artist of the month). Sadly to say the band aren’t exactly a fountain of originality themselves, but they are a lot more deserving of fame than current scene domineers like Kids in Glass Houses and Go: Audio.

The EP unexpectedly starts off like the most recent Nine Inch Nails album, a rather odd and engaging synth vortex, which leads into the first proper song, The Greatest Myth. However sentimental and cordial the recordings may be, it doesn’t prevent them from having moments that crowds can sing along to. Three Years is probably the best song off the EP, if you want a good idea of the bands sound go on the obvious sites (www.myspace.com/13riots). Don’t Knock It (‘til you’ve tried it) is one of the catchier and more positive songs off the album, bound to be a crowd favorite. The band claim to have a large fan base, and they pride themselves on their live shows, and it’s not hard to see why with such likeable and easy to get into songs. The EP ends on the catchiest of the lot, Blind Lights.

Not the most original of bands, not the worst of bands, a damn site better than most other similar bands. I think we’ve found one of the shinier apples in the bag.

Rating Out of 10: