Hyde & Beast – Hard Times Good Times EP (Out 24th July 2015 via on Tail Feather Records)

Still feeling the afterglow from last August’s warmly received second album ‘Keep Moving’ and on the launch of their ‘Dark Mistake’ real ale and winter release,  comes the latest EP ‘Hard Times Good Times’. The Sunderland outfit take solos from  varied late 1960 to early 1970 sonic fare to much acclaim nationwide. these that are familiar with Hyde & Beast, strap in for more infectious melodies down played with lyrical reality.

the title track alone is enough to keep all nourished, complete with what feels like a yesteryear North American brass flavour, still just as refreshing in 2015. For the record, this is an uncommon positive slice of pop, towards the nearest the band have come to the to the dreaded middle-ground, careful lads, next it’ll be used on the next sugar puffs advert, to cries that you’ve sold out – in reality, must point out that sugar puffs along with the promised sequins are all false, however still just as alarming. ‘Never Get to Heaven’ feels as is it belongs to that time of ‘In Th Summertime’ only more expansive with added brass and enjoyable groove. ‘Get Up’ is annoyer dose of positivity, who or what changed the ruddy goal posts? Mind you just as good as ever, musically deft.

No dip in creativity, Hyde & Beast continue their rise, with another healthy contribution in ‘Hard Times Good Times’ EP, if anything the band just get stronger as time flows. 8.2/10
Steve Janes

It’s that title track from the new EP

Live Dates

18th July             Summer Streets Festival                               Sunderland
24th July             Ambition Festival                            Croydon
25th July             Simon Says Festival                        Leicester
31st July              Kendal Calling Festival                  Kendal
14th August        Cluny                                                    Newcastle
15th August        Sebright Arms                                   London