Single Review: Best Ex – Ice Cream Anti Social EP

Best Ex, formerly known as Candy Hearts, have signed to Alcopop! Records and their first release for the label is the wonderfully titled Ice Cream Anti Social EP, that is due for release on the on 14th July 2017. This six track EP is the first to be released under the band’s new moniker and sees the band heading into a new indie fuelled poppier direction, Ice Cream Anti Social is a glistening artistic re-imagination for the band, one that sees the band take the heartfelt lyricism and hooks from their previous punkier releases as Candy Hearts and bring them into their new looser and poppier direction.

 

Girlfriend opens things with a distinctly electro pop influenced opener, despite the change in style I can hear how this song would have sounded if it had been recorded in their previous incarnation, the whole EP has a poppy indie sheen that’s underpinned by an electro pop feel and the guitars are now very much playing second fiddle to the indie sheen and ethereal vocals. Whilst I preferred the more punky style of Candy Hearts the songwriting that characterised their previous releases is still very much alive, it’s just realised in a much more summery and poppy manner.

 

This is a summery blast of electronic indie pop, for me I personally preferred the sweet pop punk delivery of the previous albums, but if you were a fan of Candy Hearts then the melodies and shining vocals that were their trademark are still present and just as likely to melt your heart. It’s a brave move for a band to make such a dramatic shift in style, and after hearing the new direction the band has taken you can understand why they changed their name rather than continue as Candy Hearts. This new direction won’t be for everyone, but for those who enjoy a slice of summery indie pop then Ice Cream Anti Social may be just what you’re looking for.

 

Ice Cream Anti Social can be pre-ordered via Alcopop! Records here and via Bandcamp here