Two Coats Colder
EP: Ice Cream Harbour EP
Label: Self Released
Tracks: 5
Website: www.twocoatscolder.com

There is a thin line between something that is truly sentimental and something that is saccharine sweet and twee. The first is genuinely heart warming, the second leaves an unfulfilling aftertaste. As the opening song opened my immediate thoughts drifted towards the second area, but and it's a big but, that feeling changed as the lyrics unwound.

Even the title of the song "The Ice Cream Song" draws you down that route as the title immediately floods the mind with images of a 99 complete with flake and raspberry sauce. As you move into the song you realise that it is instead focused on the roll of ice cream has a soother and comforter and the big impact that can be felt from little acts if kindness.

I first came across Ray from Two Coats Colder playing with another East Anglian singer, Marina Florance and you can feel her influence on the slightly laid back feel of the sound. This is not an EP that's been rushed at, there's a relaxing feel to it and one that takes the cares and worries of the world with it as you listen.

Lead vocalist, Anna Bass, has a voice that soothes away the stresses and strains and gives you a feeling that even though things can get tough, you can get through it all with a little help from your family, friends and a little determination.

There's also a nautical feel to the album both in the actual stories tied into the songs and the shantyesque feel of the closing song "Never Let Go" a damned fine addition to that particular canon.

"Ice Cream Harbour" is the second EP in quite a short period and points to quite a prolific song writing team. Hopefully it won't be too long before we get to hear a full album from this duo, in the meantime indulge yourselves in Two Coats Colder.

Neil King