Losers/Lovers opens with lead single 'Luv You 2', the bands first release after signing for Big Scary Monsters, and is the perfect introduction to the band. Prevalent with catchy hooks cemented by a sing along chorus it'll be stuck in your head from the first listen, whilst the math rock influence means by the 20th listen you will still be finding intricasies you missed the first time round.
Not only does 'Luv You 2' set the musical scene for the EP but also in a lyrical sense; painting a picture of a lost love across the back drop of uplifting melodies, a style Orchards seem to have mastered.
These themes carry on through the next two tracks 'Drama King' & 'Be Here', which are both solid entries, but 'Double Vision' is the next real head turner on the record. It shows of the Orchards' ability to write a great pop song; catchy choruses & a brilliant sing along bridge will have it stuck in your head for weeks!
The second half of the EP begins with new song 'Age Of You', similarly to 'Drama King' & 'Be Here' the song further showcases the bands' ability to not only write singles but also high quality pop album tracks. However with it following 'Double Vision' you can't help but feel the bridge as been almost directly lifted from the previous song.
The record closes with 3 previously released songs; 'Peggy', 'Honey' & 'Darling'. This blend of old and new songs makes the EP the perfect introduction to Orchards but also comes across as a statement of intent. It demonstrates perfectly the evolution of the band and how they've polished their sound into something that could see them go really far.
8/10
Losers/Lovers is released on Big Scary Monsters on 6th July 2018 - Pre-order HERE
You can catch Orchards at TRUCK festival & ArcTanGent this summer
