After hearing Humsikk’s recent collaboration with Amy Amanda & The Cottons, I was hoping that line up would bear more fruit. I thought it was a one-off, but little did I know it was the title track of the band’s new EP sans collaborators.

Alone, as the title may suggest, is a slice of melancholy indiepop. The chords and the structure of the song will remind the listener of so much yet, by the end, it will have established its own identity, imprinting itself in your memories. I previously wrote, amongst other things, that the title track “is a mellow indiepop song with influences of the 1960s girl bands running alongside those from the 1980s” and listening to it again solidifies that viewpoint.

Sadly, it all changes after half-time. The remaining two songs Tell Me What You Want and Amor sound very Orchids like, especially the latter. That’s not a problem, but the fact both tracks are coated in far too much “sugar” ruin it for me. Especially so with the overtly lengthy Amor which does not take long to outstay its welcome.

So, staying on the sweet theme, it’s a right ol’ pick and mix EP. The first two tracks are excellent indiepop songs which I will no doubt come back to as the year progresses. The other two? Well, that depends on how much sugar you like in your tea. Not my taste, but it may well be yours.

The By the Sea EP is out now on Guerrilla Records.