Unsigned Artists

By Rachael Darmanin

Apparently, Los Campesinos! started with a mix. Or, at least, that's what they say in the second track on their debut, Sticking Fingers Into Sockets, (Arts And Crafts), which is called, appropriately, "It Started With A Mixx." And within that mix, they are trying to find the perfect match between pretentious and pop, which this EP proves they've done quite well. As pretentious as the band would like to be, it's almost impossible because of their age. The six youngsters from Wales can't help coming across as happy-go-lucky, but that doesn't mean they aren't to be taken serious. This brief six-song sampler is non-stop fun, blending elements of pop, dance rock and punk into a tight, easily digestible package. The dueling vocals from Aleksandra and Ellen Campesinos! (they are running that UK con where they all pretend their last name is their band name) scream for each song to be sung along above the array of instrumentals (glockenspiels and hand claps always an added bonus) with topics and themes ranging from adolescent concerns of romantic equations and boy band fashions to... dying at a party? Plus, they cover Pavement. If there's anything to hold onto with this short but sweet debut, it's that we want more—and we want it now!

Tracklist For Sticking Fingers Into Sockets: 01. We Throw Parties, You Throw Knives

1. It Started With A Mixx

2. Don't Tell Me To Do The Math(s)

3. Frontwards

4. You! Me! Dancing!

5. Clunk-Rewind-Clunk-Play-Clunk

www.loscampesinos.com