Road to Horizon have managed something quite spectacular with their new EP ‘Chapters’. The Leeds five-piece have created something that stands out above a genre overfilled with sound-a-likes.

What makes ‘Chapters’ stand out is that, although a lot of the same elements are there, it sounds like a refreshing change of pace, which is something a lot of releases seem to be lacking these days. None of the tracks have that certain something that has you reaching for the skip button: instead, all six tracks have the opposite effect, pushing you to keep listening over and over.

Special mention should go to track number two, ’Caught Red Handed’, because, from its catchy beginning through to its catchier chorus and through to the other side, it makes up one of the more exciting tracks on the EP, and is, for me, the one that nearly wore out the skip back button on my iPod.

Track three shows a bit of a heavier side to Road to Horizon, with a track that could have been done by a Day to Remember, and so gives a good indication of where the band takes some of their influences, but not in a way that has you shouting copycats:  instead, it is merely a hint and nod to that band, rather than outright copies. Because of that, listeners to ‘Chapters’ will be treated to something quite special and won’t be disappointed with that they find.

As if the first five tracks weren’t enough, Road to Horizon have gone out of their way to treat fans by including an exclusive cover of R.I.P by Rita Ora. While metal covers of pop songs seem to have been run into the ground, this one deserves praise for putting a spin on a song that, in my opinion, lacked any spark and making it listenable.

The truth is I could sit here and list off all the qualities of each track, but that wouldn’t be doing them justice. ‘Chapters’ is one of those EPs that needs to be heard, and heard loud, to be truly enjoyed. It is also hard to pin point that certain spark that Road to Horizon possess, but it’s definitely there.

The EP is a joy to listen to, has that certain quality that has you listening over and over again without feeling in any way repetitive, with each track showcasing a different quality to the band. You’ll have a lot of different reviewers telling you to listen to lots of different releases, just make sure ‘Chapters’ by Road to Horizon is one of them.

10/10

Chapters will be available on April 8th 2013.