It seems fitting that, as I prepare for my weekends to be dominated by watching, analysing and writing about The X Factor, the final pre-X Factor weekend supplement should go to one of last year's most underrated act: the artists formerly known as GMD3. Re-christened District 3 on the show for reasons that were never clear (at least they were spared having a new member shoe-horned into the existing line up), the boys sometimes seemed like the show was eroding some of the qualities that had garnered GMD3 such a huge fanbase (see posts here - and last year's X Factor posts here). However, there's no denying it was a massive platform for District 3 and Mickey, Dan & Greg have used the pursuant 12 months to create an EP that highlights their talents as songwriters and their effortless ability to be engaging performers. Simply titled EP (purchase here), it's a calling card statement of what we can expect from the group and a mighty fine collection of well constructed, mellifluous tunes that will make you want more each time you listen to them. Here's what you get :)
- Let's Reload ~ the inherent talent and charm of District 3 is their ability to use their expertly blended voices to really highlight the melody of a song - any song - and make it shine bright like a diamond. Built around a vibrant strumming acoustic guitar, the song is proliferated with clever crescendo-ing synth effect and a propulsive beat that creates a euphoric feel akin to the seize-the-moment lyrics. A thoroughly energetic vocal from the lads makes that insatiable chorus fly to the stars, whilst ensuring the whole song is a rollicking giddy treat that leaves you panting and breathless for more...
- What You About Me ~ Less effusive than the opening number but equally as delightful, this song adopts a shuffling beat and allows the chaps to address the darker side of fame; that people can think they know you inside and out from seeing you for twenty minutes or so each week - and that this isn't actually a representation of who you really are. There's always a risk with these type of songs that people may think, oh boo hoo & hashtag it #famouspeopleproblems - however, the boys sing with such genuine emotion that borders on the right side of wistful regret rather than straight up indignation that it's hard not to feel for their plight. Ultimately it's a song about enduring built around a killer chorus and some stunning harmonies...
- Hello ~ Not a Lionel Richie cover you'll be pleased to know :) The song begins as a quiet storm style ballad before emerging, like a butterfly from a cocoon, into a fully realised, musically textured dance groove chorus. What I really love about the song is that despite the booming production moments, the chaps always allow the intimate nature of the song to shine forward through emotive performance and those beautifully layered voices that they do so well. It feels like the type of song that would instantly sparkle on the radio - standing alongside current boy band faves like The Wanted, One Direction and Union J yet never replicating what they do.
- Dead To Me ~ definitely one of the highlights of an EP that is rich in rewards. The haunting, elegiac piano backdrop alone is fully worth the price of admission but it's the stark, raw lyrics that make you feel like you are intricately involved in the affective narrative that is playing out. It's refreshing to have such unfiltered vocals on contemporary pop music - and the harmonies are used to enhance the underlying pain & hurt so prevalent in the words being sung. There's a maturity in the composition and delivery of the song that ensures that it is timeless, enduring and classic. Songs like this will still be as striking and have as much impact in ten, twenty and fifty years time. Beautiful piece of art that deserves all the accolades you can heap on it...
- Chasing Silhouettes (ft Bigz) ~ To be honest, I was expecting something more akin to the opening track to close the EP; something that was as instantaneous and in-your-face as Let's Reload. That's not to say that Chasing Silhouettes isn't as dramatic in it's own way - and it's definitely one of those songs that rewards with each subsequent listen. It shows that District 3 are happy to push themselves creatively and don't want to produce cookie cutter pop that's safe (and a little bit dull). Instead they will incorporate genres and influences to make their music that much more interesting and fulfilling. Chasing Silhouettes is perhaps the best example of that - a daring, evocative track. It's the culmination of an EP that challenges the listener but is never staid or uniform. And that bodes well for longevity in their career, which is just as well because now I'm urging them to do well and bring the masses more of their own take on the boyband genre.
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