Single Review: Bellevue Days – Rosehill EP

Croydon based alt rock quartet, Bellevue Days, have today released their new EP, Rosehill, via Kobalt Music, the EP is the follow up to their critically acclaimed Sad Boy EP that was released just over twelve months ago. In the Rosehill EP Bellevue Days have released a record built from the defining moments in their young lives, their latest release is simultaneously a nostalgic backwards glance, and a wry sideways look at the departure of youth and the ever increasing complexities of modern adult life.

Black Sheep Baby opens with the melancholy tones of a dark lullaby before the drum beat kicks in on the atmospheric opener, Jack And I lulls you into a false sense of security that it’s a continuation of the attitude of the initial track, that is until you get hit with an almighty guitar riff that spikes the track with a hit a adrenaline. Secret Love marks the half way point with the feel of the more introspective moments from The Libertines, before Bellevue Days deliver the stunning Faith, for me this is easily the highpoint of the EP where the quartet strike a perfect balance between the delicate and the brutal, and then finally Dead Summer eases you out of Rosehill.

There are distinct elements from the post punk and post hardcore genre’s on Rosehill, along with a hefty influence from the darker and moodier sides of indie and alt rock that informs a troubled and sometimes intense EP. Despite their tender years the Rosehill EP displays a level of maturity in their songwriting that marks this out as their finest release to date. Bellevue Days seem set to build on their fanbase, as along with this impressive EP they have a number of high profile festival appearances over the summer, followed by tours with Patrons and Young Hearts, and if you get the chance I’d catch them live, or at least investigate this EP.

The Rosehill EP is now available via iTunes here