8/10

Since first emerging back in 2016, the line-up for Bath-based outfit Bad Sounds has certainly had some pruning. Starting life as a full five-piece outfit, the group now only inhabits founding brothers Ewan and Callum Merrett as they release their debut album 'Get Better'. But despite this huge cull in the band, the pair have managed to continue the uplifting, hip-hop-inspired, pop-rock direction that first put them on the radar, and give us a wonderfully upbeat debut record in the process.

For the last couple of years, Bad Sounds have built this huge cult appeal by simply offering something new yet engaging within their style. Cracking out the brass as much as possible, the band look to shake off the pretence of the more mood-driven indie outfits and cut into the carefree sound that bands like The Go! Team and Superorganism have been adopting recently. This lack of grumpiness in their direction has led to a wonderfully upbeat debut record that continues the foundation built by their initial EPs, without having to borrow heavily from them.

It may have arrived a few months late, but 'Get Better' would have made a wonderful addition to the summertime playlists earlier this year. Filled with an inviting sense of joy, the record cements the duo as a true force in the British music scene which will no doubt continue for years to come.