Annuals - Frelen Mas EP

Whether Annuals have enough of a fan base to warrant the release of an EP composed entirely of B-sides from 2006’s ‘Be He Me’ is soon to be seen. But the EP is only a digital release and it seems quite appropriate considering ‘Frelen Mas’ is the band’s most electronically enriched production to date.

Annuals boast an art-pop sound, combining elements of folk, electronica and pop. The six piece collective don’t make infectious melodies or sing along choruses but underneath their layered and sophisticated persona is a mix match of pop styles.

‘Frelen Mas’ is a difficult one to digest in a couple of listens. With its effects studied electronica melodies, long introductions almost disorientating use of editing, its not a record likely to tackle the pop charts.

The EP mixes sounds and effects in a bold and unusual fashion. At times the result is harmonious, at others its simply a bit much. Annuals appear lost in the need to sound different; closing song ‘Frelen Mas’ is so saturated with effects it becomes chaotic. With its angelic vocals, sweeping electronica score and delicate acoustic licks it’s a genuine hand holding stroll through a summers meadow; but we don’t need to hear quacking ducks and bicycle bells ringing to tell us that. The backing (‘la laaas’) and twinkling guitar tunes are enough to generate the emotion.

‘Swing Low, Sweet Chariot’ sounds like it has been fed through a computer and then through a marching band. In a similar style to Dntel, the song begins with a classic country sound before disintegrating into a choppy and percussion filled electronic epic.

With their impressive arsenal of instruments, good use of mixing techniques and skill at a computer, Annuals are an exemplification of the modern style. But at times their avant-garde pop sound that little bit too cluttered and really lacks the fun energy of Architecture In Helsinki or Clap Your Hands Say Yeah. That said, ‘Frelen Mas’ is still an enjoyable affair and stands more as an extension of ‘Be He Me’ than a collection of B-sides.