The Composers - Evacuate London (8-track demo) By Steve Rudd

Compose yourself, for the music on offer here from this East London-rooted band is most excellent. Opening track Evacuate London is a jingle-jangling shot of down-to-earth, lovelorn pop music of the highest caliber, with Dan Edelstyn leading the quintet with a quality vocal performance, that hears him put on his best Lloyd Cole voice for The Fix. This fabulous tune might have Dan in full-on, self-pitying mood, but the net effect is somehow incredibly uplifting, as though Morrissey has a hand in the song's writing - especially seen as though the chorus is pop'-perfection.

And just when you think that Dan couldn't sound any more like Lloyd Cole if he tried in vain, The Vein Jane Blue proceeds to gob-smack the listener, because Dan genuinely sounds to actually be Lloyd Cole himself (no word of a lie), his beautifully pitched voice sounding utterly exquisite, as the song straddles the dilemma that the Jane of the title seems to be facing: wondering if it's more important to look good or take drugs. Sad Disco benefits greatly from the subtle guitar interplay - courtesy of Nick Benedini and Francesco Accurso - that underpins its structure, with the musicianship throughout the half-hour playing time of the entire demo being consistently awesome, featuring barrages of captivating acoustic guitar brushstrokes. This might be a demo recording, and The Composers might just be starting out in their musical pursuits, but here is hard evidence that they've got what it takes to be a hugely successful band should justice prevail in their favour. Indeed, they've already played at such hallowed venues as the London Barfly, and so long as their music remains this refreshing and melody-obsessed, The Composers are more than entitled to the name they've given themselves. www.the-composers.co.uk For more info please e-mail dan@the-composers.co.uk

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