EP Review: Abracadabra

It’s not too often that an artist such as North Shore Pony Club can seemingly rear its head up from the lurky shadows of the washy underground and swish shot a release that is so on target, it instantly leaves a trail of awe in its wake. Their latest EP Abracadabra achieves such a solid state, delivered via a smooth and consistent package of tracks while retaining the usual comically hyperbolic stylings that NSPC have become synonymous with over the past few years.

Going beyond a mere collection of dance singles, the varying styles and sounds presented throughout the EP are deliberately mish mashed to create a flow that will no doubt appease fans of traditional long players, as well as more single focused connoisseurs a like; their catchy hooks and sense of groove foundation is instantly striking and familiar but gathers its own twisting momentum as each track progresses.

It’s clear from listening to any one of the six tracks contained on the EP that there are deep influences at work here, ranging from 90’s big beat, through to more contemporary sounds of House, Techno, and European Electro & Funk. Artists such as Mancunian staples of electronica The Chemical Brothers, Dutch funk masters Kraak & Smaak, and French Electro/Techno kings Justice & Daft Punk instantly spring to mind, and each track on the EP somewhat represents a tip of the cap to such influences and styles; something that should not be scoffed at considering the level of individual style expressed and retained throughout.

With this in mind, singling out one track over another would do a huge disservice to the entire EP, so it should be left up to the audience to investigate for themselves what should become the foundation for the future of North Shore Pony Club in the months to come.