EP Review: Mouse - 'Angels Never Die'

Bristol based Mouse brings forth an EP of hyper pop perfection this week. Angels Never Die sees Mouse take complete control of the entire project, including the orchestral pieces that bookend the release.

Essentially the title track, A.N.D. kicks things off with gliding melodies and bold choruses. This song is draped in harmonies and supported by a rock solid instrumental, it wraps you up in the EP immediately. It’s followed by Unladylike which comes through a bit softer and bubblier at first. The lyrics reflect on what exactly that word means while the instrumental builds in the back, returning repeatedly to an undeniable hook. 

Skin comes close to the midway point with a darker sound and buzzing synths. There’s a strong sense of texture across the record. Unladylike plays with softer sounds to reflect it’s lyrics for example. Skin uses it’s claustrophobic production and distorted textures to accentuate that lyrical lust for closeness. 

Love Me Like You’re Gonna Lose Me is a worthy single from the EP which sees Mouse call out earnestly overtop an energetic instrumental. Pounding drums and anxious synths punctuate the drama in the words as the song grows over its runtime. Heavy Crown follows with twisting, turning instruments with a strong vocal leading you through. There’s a strong sense of drama throughout the track as each chorus as the beat builds and the synths push further forwards, at times almost threatening to drown out the vocals which push themselves above water.

Fans of hyper-pop that aren’t already familiar with Mouse should rectify this immediately and check out Angels Never Die. This is a vibrant, multi faceted release that promises we’ll see plenty more from Mouse.

Words by Nathan Blackstone

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