If there’s one thing I’ve always wanted to be able to do, it’s sing. If you imagine a cat sitting on about twelve drawing pins and having it’s ears pulled whilst playing an out of tune violin, that’s pretty much how I sound when I sing. So it was time for my little friend the green-eyed monster to come out and help me write this review because jealousy isn’t half the strength of the word I want to use when describing lead singer Jodie’s voice. Lucky cow.
‘Free The Walls’ is apparently a shout out to those who quietly sup their pints, leaning against the walls whilst watching a band, they should be “getting up the front and shaking their asses to the music” according to drummer Kevin. I like it. It shows that this band lack the pretentious front most teenage bands seem to have nowadays.
Anyone who knows me knows that I am not a fan of female fronted bands. I used to think it was due to jealousy but thanks to Civilian I’ve realised this isn’t the case, I’ve realised it’s because most girls in bands are crap. I’m sorry if that offends all you feminists out there, but it’s true. Civilian stray away from the norm and have a lead singer who can belt out a tune and isn’t just there to hum, look pretty and land the band gigs at pubs with fat, sleazy landlords.
‘Reveal’ opens the EP and shows exactly what Civilian are capable of, mixing funk, rock and the occasional bit of jazz with successful results. The only criticism I would give is the fact that although Jodie has a beautifully soothing voice, the song doesn’t allow her to show her vocals off to her fullest ability. It is a good song but could easily be shortened by a minute to avoid boring its listeners. ‘Heavy Head’ opens with a drum beat and guitar riff that makes you feel like you’re hunting for the vocalist in the jungle…luckily you find her in time for the first verse. ‘Cream’ is the stand-out track of the EP, opening with a Muse like riff before moving into velvety vocals, smooth guitar riffs and drums that crash at just the right time whilst ‘Prey:Predator’ funks you to death. Of course, the highlight of the album in the hidden track at the end of ‘Tie Back The Sun’ which I won’t spoil for you, just be prepared to deck the culprit.
Mature beyond their years, Civilian give a good kick up the bum to any unoriginal band of their same age. Straying away from what’s musically fashionable and sticking with what they’re good at, they will go far. ‘Free The Walls’ is definitely worth a listen and almost certainly worth the price of a stamp to send to a record company or two.
 
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