Human Statues contains good moments but struggles to leave a lasting impression.
The second EP from London art-pop quartet, Mylar, ranges from soothing, danceable earworms to off-kilter, less memorable tunes across its five tracks.
Lyrically, the EP drips with unease in various social situations which is juxtaposed by the gentle synth and keyboard-led music and aloof Morrissey-esque vocal delivery.
The first two tracks are the best of Human Statues with ‘Ghost of the Party’s catchy chorus and tuneful synth detailing staying at parties too long with nowhere better to be while ‘Hobby Horse’ is instantly engaging with its bubble-like synth at the start of the song with the piano enticing you to click your fingers with the beat and lyrics about finding peace with the ordinary.
These songs are unsurprisingly two of the three singles teasing the EP.
Mylar (L-R): Rob Janke (drums, backing vocals), Tom Clark (guitar, synth), Neraj Thangarajah (guitar, keys, vocals) and Tom Short (keys, bass, vocals)
‘Dark’ is a piano-led dance track with playful synth, ‘New Age of Me’ covers personal growth and ‘Stay Close’ – the EP’s lead single – sees the band yearn for greater interpersonal connections over offbeat electronic drums and sporadic synth.
Unlike the first two tracks, these three songs fail to embed themselves and are pleasant but not too memorable.
No doubt played live, there’s enough here to dance along to and appreciate, but the EP doesn’t demand repeated listens reducing its chances of picking up new fans.
Showing shades of Hot Chip and Teleman, Mylar have something – best showcased through ‘Ghost of the Party’ and ‘Hobby Horse’ – but their potential is not realised on Human Statues.
Human Statues is out on Thursday (30 March) via Blue Flowers, with the band headlining London's Shacklewell Arms on the day of the release