Reviewed by Lins Honeyman

After over half a year of playing in bars, clubs and cafés, Aberdeen-based student trio Boy With Compass have released their debut EP. Recorded in homes and churches the length of the country and mixed by Dunfermline singer/songwriter Dan Lyth, this is an organic affair that retains its homemade charm all the while coming across as an accomplished piece of work. The band have evidently had fun experimenting with a range of quirky instruments and the opener "Abandoned Factories" sees drummer Samuel Tranter tap away on an old typewriter to get the desired percussive sound whilst bassist David Roy tries his hand at mandolin and glockenspiel in a track that wistfully dreams of places to go to escape the troubles of the day. Next up is the deep and meaningful "Crux" which, like the rest of chief lyricist and vocalist Don Thomas' lyrics, hints at the boys' Christian faith without getting too specific. The melodic "Almost Home" is the highlight of the EP - complete with a fabulously tender vocal performance from Thomas - and reflects hope amidst the backdrop of a broken relationship. Lastly, the poignant slow burner "How Many Roads" sees the band notch it up a gear to wrap up their all-too-short debut in powerful fashion.

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