Alphabet Backwards are unashamedly pop, whereas some bands will look for a niche in which to hide what they exactly are, Alphabet Backwards are pretty clear that not only is it alright to describe their music as pop, but that’s it’s fine to dance along to their rhythmic nuances.

Although being a five piece with founder member James providing the lead vocal and guitar, Bob Tom on keyboards, Paul on drums, it was the addition of Josh on bass (yes the one from the T-Mobile campaign of joining his band on the top of a double decker bus – again unashamedly being open about something that many bands would try and bury) and his sister Steph on joint lead vocals that really finalised the Alphabet Backwards sound.

That combination of vocals between James and Steph does draw comparisons to the Beautiful South, although if you substitute Paul Heaton’s Sheffield intonated tones to that of someone from Oxfordshire, then you begin to build up an idea of the vocal style that Alphabet Backwards demonstrate.

The only downside to listening to Alphabet Backwards new EP British Explorer is that it is far too upbeat for such dark wintry months, although based on the current unseasonal warm weather the UK is experiencing; maybe this EP is prophetically relevant.

Big Top opens the British Explorer EP and is all bouncy rhythm and vocal jousting between James and Steph. With the opportunity for the inclusion of synthesised piano before the piece ends. Equally Tonight keeps that uplifting style running through by taking its opening lead from the guitar, although allowing for the keyboard sounds to throw elements in that hark back to 80s pop at its greatest.

Outstanding track on the EP is the track Taller and ironically it does stand head and shoulders above the other tracks on British Explorer. James jumps straight in with the vocals, supported with a simple guitar rhythm, before Steph provides some lovely vocal support as the drums jauntily join in. The choral of “do you ever” is latterly joined in with strings, before the piece returns to its starting point. Quite simply Taller fades out with a lament of wishing just to be a little bit taller.

It comes as no surprise that the likes of ‘Whispering’ Bob Harris, Steve Lamacq, Cerys Matthews and Huw Stephens have already championed the work of Alphabet Backwards. At times there are moments when none of us should be afraid to embrace pop music, to slip on our dancing shoes and in all the doom and gloom that seasonally, environmentally and socially is around us at the moment, just allow a moment for that joyous ray of pop sunshine to lift those spirits.

Reviewed by Jimbo Walsh.

Alphabet Backwards' British Explorer EP is out on 28 November 2011, but is available now to pre-order from Amazon.