EP Review: The Most Powerful EP in the Universe by Dinosaur Pile-Up

Hailing from Leeds, Dinosaur Pile-Up are a quirky little trio, who, rather than take influence from fellow local talent (think iForward Russia! and, er, Kaiser Chiefs), prefer to revel in nostalgic indie-rock from over the pond, ala Foo Fighters, Jimmy Eat World and Weezer. On the 17th of August, the Dino’s shall be releasing their personal take on said American lo-fi via the nicely titled ‘The Most Powerful EP in the Universe’.
The EP kicks off with ‘Summer Hit Single’. The title of the song could not be more apt, really. A gritty, pop-punk guitar grinds itself beneath the Weezer-stylee vocals of the verses. A deliciously shiney riff proceeds to make an appearance throughout the song, while the general super-fun vibe mean this track ultimately ends up sounding like a summery, American-indie-pop record perfectly fit for an appearance on The O.C.
Track two, ‘Opposites Attract’ sounds like a fantastical cross between Nirvana’s ‘In Bloom’ and ‘Beverly Hills’ by Weezer, while the blunt ‘Cat Attack’ explodes with energetic drums and Dave Grohl stylin’ distorted riffs.
Track four, ‘Melanin’ is a slower-paced number, which is lead by grunge guitars going like clockwork throughout the song. A pointed riff layers nicely over the top, while the added delicate harmonies mean this ballad-esque number is really quite beautiful. The EP comes to a close, however, with ‘Beach Bug’ – a dark, fuzzy number brimming with angry (but not overly scary) guitars and dry, Cobain-stylee vocals. Filled with scuzzy attitude, Dinosaur Pile-Up effortlessly close the show with this uber rocking number.
All in all I’d rate this EP well. Dinosaur Pile-Up’s super grungey, super lo-fi sound is really quite refreshing amid all the synthetic electro and indie that is overtaking the charts at the moment. I wouldn’t go as far as to call it the most powerful EP in the universe just yet, but Dinosaur Pile-Up, you’re certainly getting there with this one!
The Most Powerful EP in the Universe by Dinosaur Pile-Up is released on August 17th on Big Brain / Friends Vs Records
One Response
28th July 2011
[…] ever since I reviewed their awesomely titled ‘The Most Powerful EP In The Universe!!’, last July. The five track record was a ridiculously awesome shot of vintage grunge that sat curiously apart […]