Newcastle quartet Boy Jumps Ship have been kicking around for a few years now, gathering a small following here and there. Now their hard work is paying off as they’ve landed on Rude Records, the European home to the likes of The Maine, Zebrahead and American Hi-Fi.

‘Lovers & Fighters’ is the band’s third EP and the 5 tracks on offer here documents their ongoing growth as it’s a collection of anthemic alt-rock that has plenty of longevity. ‘Make You Proud’ kicks off proceeding with group vocals before heading into a verse that is reminiscent of ‘Louder Now’ era Taking Back Sunday. The chorus is bold and energetic with the line of “tell all, all your friends / we’re not, we’re not scared / we’ll sleep, we’ll sleep when / when we’re, when we’re dead” being sung loud and proud.

It’s clear Boy Jumps Ship are all about the hooks as tracks like ‘Still Alive’ and ‘Call To Arms’ are built around huge choruses. Whilst the latter demonstrates the band’s knack for writing honest, introspective songs with the chorus line of “It’s scaring me to death, I’ll still sing it when I’m dead / call to arms and you’re not answering”

Throughout ‘Lovers & Fighters’, BJS are full of heart and have an unrelentless energy that simply feels great. The midway point gives us ‘Start A Riot (Sick of Trying)’, a more dynamic number with a slightly edgy approach, yet the band’s insatiable melodies are still the main force.

Closing track, ‘We’re Not Giving Up’, as you can probably guess, has a sense of defiance and closes the EP on a great high. Soaring guitar lines and pulsating drums lead to a memorable, simple yet effective chorus.

‘Lovers & Fighters’ is a very impressive EP. For the standard, feel-good rock fan, it has a lot to offer. It’s consistent and the band’s energetic approach carries through from start to finish. It’s downfall though is the band’s inability to produce a true identity. Boy Jumps Ship are good at what they do, and they continue to get better yet their style isn’t unique and they’re in the same boat of hundreds of other bands trying to breakout.

Nevertheless, I’m sure we’ll continue to hear more of Boy Jumps Ship as ‘Lovers & Fighters’ certainly shows they have loads of potential.

3.5/5

‘Lovers & Fighters’ by Boy Jumps Ship is out now on Rude Records.

Boy Jumps Ship links: Website|Facebook|Twitter

Words by Sean Reid (@SeanReid86)