EP Review: Who Killed Nigel?

7 years after their last release Lot.12 are back and stronger than ever with their sophomore EP Who Killed Nigel? – a 5 track release, bringing the summer vibes perfect for a laid back day at the beach. Recorded at Lab Studios and mixed by Ben Lawson, Who Killed Nigel? is reminiscent of such Kiwi summer staples as Mako Road and The Butlers. Teaming up with frontman Hamish Nixon’s Personal Igloo, Lot.12 have successfully reinvented themselves whilst still keeping the melodic sounds and soaring vocals we’ve come to love about them.

The EP opens strong with Nostalgia, an instant ear worm, with lyrics that leave me thinking about what could’ve been and reminiscing on times past. The Personal Igloo vocals here are at some of their best on this EP and Nostalgia has quickly made its way into my own playlists.

A quick tempo shift into What You Fear gives us an upbeat insight into the instrumental talents of the band. With catchy bass lines, rock worthy guitars, and sensational drums. At 2:15, this is the shortest track on the EP, my only wish is for an extra verse.

Blue Jay is up next, once again Hamish does a stellar job of delivering a delightful vocal performance. The bird song laced throughout this track is a great touch, listening to this, I could easily be transported to a summer BBQ under a Pohutukawa tree.

On Let The Sun Out, we’re delving into a more pop friendly sound here. Starting out the track I’m thinking this could be my next summer anthem, but by that final chorus and the Red Hot Chili Pepper-esque guitar solo, all I want to be doing is to be rocking out to this track at their next live show.

Signing out with Not That Deep, we’re given a similar vibe to Nostalgia. All be it with a slightly heavier tone. Lot.12 and Personal Igloo show us that they mean business, delivering a well-polished, written, and preformed track. With uplifting lyrics and a melodic sound, they end the EP strong.

All in all, Who Killed Nigel? is a clear sign that Lot.12 have not only still got it, but that they never lost it. I can’t wait to see what’s next for the group, and I can’t wait for summer so I can listen to this EP the right way.