Easy FM is the debut EP from Oxford songwriter/producer Premium Leisure, and the first to come out of Peckham’s new label Plum Cuts. Whilst Premium Leisure might not be a name we are familiar with, Easy FM is a brilliant no-frills introduction to the artist and his lounge-indie/psych-pop sound.
Premium Leisure (also known as Chris Barker) enlists exciting regional talent on this EP, from Harry Deacon (Palace, Razorlight), Ash Cooke (Be Good), Casper Miles & Jack Kendrew (PETSEMATARY) to Willie J Healey, so it isn’t just an introduction to a new artist but a celebration of community — something a lot of us have found comfort in this past year or so.
The opening track and first single ‘Remedies’ eases the listener into the EP, a blend of catchy hooks, thumping drums and confident vocals. The instrumentation on this song is really effective as it does exactly as the lyrics say, it makes the listener “feel good”.
Second single ‘Ready For Forever’ has a blues sound to it, allowing the listener to appreciate Barker’s vocals. The guitar and drums in this track gradually intensify, making it the ideal track to dance to (if you still know how to after months of sitting down in clubs!).
Title track ‘Easy FM’ is an upbeat track, a breezy indie track with soft vocals and an infectious hook. After a year of negative news, this track is a dose of much needed positivity.
The final track ‘The Opener’ is nonchalant coolness packed into a catchy track which listeners won’t be forgetting about anytime soon.
Easy FM might be a showcase of regional talent and a new record label but, actually, it proves to be a much needed dose of positivity from a new artist we will surely be hearing more from soon.
Words by Jen Rose
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