Album Review: Thee Armada - Sweet Tease EP

With a title like 'Sweet Tease' you instantly get the impression that Houston's Thee Armada aren't a dark metalcore band and you would definitely be right.

This self-released EP is full of pop-hooks throughout and adrenaline-filled songs. Opener 'Train To Tokyo' is your standard upbeat, instantly catchy pop-punk song, with a chorus that will be stuck in your head for days. Whilst 'LaLa' follows suit and as expected is structured round "woah's". Despite not being very original, the bands superb blend of harmonies and driving bassline makes the track credible.

'Real World' is well-produced, with slick guitars playing underneath an insanely catchy chorus with the standout lyrics being "Hollywood, I’m not a star; it’s just me and my girl". Overall the track wouldn't be out of place on mainstream radio, as Thee Armada have perfected the 3-minute rock-pop song here. The closing track, 'Magnet To Misery', sees the band slowing things down slightly but keeping the positive, upbeat energy flowing right through to the very end.

Despite Thee Armada's lack of originality, 'Sweet Tease' shows a band who know how to write feel-good songs that will you can't help play over and over again. In addition to this, successfully (and thankfully) keep their music more towards the rock side and avoid going down the over-produced poppy side, but remain their pop sensibilities by spreading plenty of instant hooks throughout. On this outing, Thee Aramda show a lot of talent and potential, as they keep it simple and they know what their audience likes, as they deliver with 4 superb slices of sweet pop-punk that will have you asking for more.

3.5/5

Thee Armada's 'Sweet Tease' EP can be heard in full on their Purevolume.

Sean Reid