EP REVIEW: Pool Girl – Snow Coats

SNOW COATS are the next big band. The Dutch indie pop band consist of Anouk van der Kemp on vocals and acoustic guitar, Frank Peters on bass guitar, Daan Ebbers on guitar, and Joost Ebbers on drums. Despite only having released one album independently, and having released two singles whilst signed to Alcopop! Records, they’ve attracted the attention of the UK music scene. Their recent support slot on the 2019 EU tour with PINEGROVE turned heads in their direction. Will this EP do the same?

The four track EP kicks off with Pool Girl, a cheerful little number that starts off with an acoustic guitar during the opening chorus before the drums kick in. The pacing is smooth, and none of the instruments get drowned out. The vocals are the highlight as the lyrics are softly sung, and compliment the instruments. The lyrics speak of high school memories as topics explored include lost love and broken friendships. The darker tone of them is a great juxtaposition to the upbeat instruments.

Set and Replay is the second song and is the halfway mark of the EP. Despite the near identical start, this song takes a more country approach to the music. The instruments are kept relatively in the background. However, they can still be heard, and are not drowned out. This therefore allows the vocals to take charge. They are soft, and work well with the acoustic/country style of music, this is because the pacing of the song is mid-tempo. However, it is not upbeat, unlike the song that proceeds it. On the other hand, this shows that the EP is not a one note wonder. it has a variety of songs buried within it.

Jersey Weather is the longest song on the EP and it is an upbeat and cheerful song. The juxtaposition of the stripped back verses works well with the instrument heavy choruses. The vulnerability of the song is well-conveyed due to the superb production on this song. Each song seems to build upon the last and improve it and this song is no different. The pacing of the song is upbeat, and does not affect the tone of the EP. There is a nice ending to the song where SNOW COATS has added in some talking at the end. However, the talking fades out, which makes for a nice conclusion to an excellent song.

The final song is called Navy Blue and it truly stands out because it is more rock sounding. Starting off with an upbeat and joyful electric guitar riff that carries on throughout the song, it is a strong ending to the EP. Unfortunately, the way in which the song abruptly ends leaves it sounding a little rushed and unfinished. This is a shame because the EP was excellent up until that point. However, this song is still a joy to listen to, and is destined to have heads bopping along to it.

In conclusion, despite the abrupt ending, Pool Girl is a strong EP by an exciting new band. SNOW COATS are clear in what sound and direction they want to go in, and are destined for great things. This EP covers the indie/pop sound perfectly, whilst also adding some rock elements to their sound. This band are destined to grow, and who are we to stop them? They are definitely one to watch out for.

Rating: 8/10

Pool Girl is out now via Alcopop! Records.

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