EP Review...Red Blinders by Hater (2017) (Label: PNKSLM Recordings)

Hater are a Malmo (Sweden) based 4 piece consisting of Caroline Landahl, Mans Leonartsson, Adam Agace and Lukas Thomasson who formed in early 2016 and were quickly signed to Stockholm label PKSLN Recordings (to join well known jangle pop influenced label mates Magic Potion) after they gathered a large following as a live act.


After releasing 2016's Radius (EP) they were invited to tour as support acts for fellow Swedish band (The Radio Dept) and  July 2017's debut album You Tried was released to much critical                                                                                    acclaim.


The album / band were extremely hard for me to pinpoint and indeed even the band could only offer the strange juxtaposition of influences on their bandcamp bio such as the The Radio Dept, Neil Young, The Pretenders and Alvvays.

Out of this list the only influence I could really agree to was Alvvays  as it was obvious that there was some sort of chiming guitars / crystalline female vocal  jangle pop influences trying to break the surface in the generally beautiful, minor chord weariness of indie pop of tracks such as Mental Haven and You Tried .

The release of the Red Blinders (EP) on 01.12.17 and the change of label to Fire Records has seen a definitive progression of these jangle pop influences with tracks such as the imperious Rest and Red Blinders developing the super clean guitar that inspired many The Smiths influenced late 80's / early 90's indie bands.


Fire Records have been involved with numerous successful bands who weld the whole late 80's indie / jangle pop aesthetic such as The Blue Aeroplanes, Teenage Fanclub and the superb Close Lobsters so it is safe to say they recognize jangle pop talent and as such this band is definitely one to keep on your radar.


Red Blinders can be purchased in numerous formats HERE and the opening track Blushing is HERE