8/10

Having spent 2017 releasing a flurry of new material, all eyes were on emerging singer-songwriter Sam Fender at the start of this year when he became shortlisted for BBC Sound Of 2018 poll back in January. While he was not one of the more high-profile nominations to be picked this year, he has since used the exposure to springboard his place in the industry ever since and now returns with his first EP release 'Dead Boys', a collection of soaring and anthemic indie-rock delights that look to make a lasting impression.

Unlike many other artists in his position, Fender has made the logical choice to fill his debut release with all new material, rather than fall back onto anything he had produced in his initial years. This helps give 'Dead Boys' are far more cohesive sound and allows the frontman to put his best foot forward when it comes to creating a solid and well-rounded collection. Taking his energetic cues from bands like The Maccabees and The War On Drugs, 'Dead Boys' sets him up as a true innovator in the indie-rock scene and delivers a confident six-track collection that feels like there was so much more to give by the time it ends.

From an introduction like this, it is clear that we will be hearing a lot more from Sam Fender in the years to come. His vibrant and uplifting style of songwriting helps separate him from the usual dross of the scene at the moment, and 'Dead Boys' sits as the beginning of a career that we can't wait to hear more from.