Album Review: Breathe Electric - Lovestruck EP

Since forming electro-pop outlet Breathe Electric in 2008, Illinois-based Grant Harris has created a buzz for himself with his first two EPs and newest offering 'Lovestruck' could well be the one to give him the push he needs.

Given recent wave of similar electro-pop bands gaining fame straight out of their bedrooms you'd be forgiven for passing Breathe Electric off as an unnecessary addition to an over-saturated genre but the title track that opens the EP is a genuinely fun tune that showcases Harris's talent for finding a catchy beat and turning it in to a fresh sound.

'One In A Million' and 'Stay With Me' follow up in a similar vein with the same fun, catchy beats and lyrics that are equal parts sugar-sweet and endearingly honest. Bad Girl is another solid track, nothing particularly groundbreaking but enjoyable nonetheless. The main thing that stands out is just how much fun the songs are. They're not trying to be edgy or shocking and the simplicity is what makes it.

Electronic Lover, an ode to finding love via social networking, is probably the lyrical low point ("she said I'm just her type / and I like it when she types") but remains undeniably catchy and charming while closing track Stop Actin' ends the EP on a high note with a great hook and vocal harmonies that don't rely entirely on the production - it's clear that behind the autotune Harris has a decent voice.

On paper it's easy to judge but the end result of electro-pop with pop-punk sensibilities mixed with buckets of charm and obvious talent make Breathe Electric a more than worth a listen.

3/5

Lovestruck EP by Breathe Electric is released June 15th via Alliance Music Management.

Breathe Electric on MySpace and Twitter.

Francesca Vaney