September sees the release of City of Glass’ second EP The Diving Bell and with musical influences such as The Cure, Foals and Radiohead the picture begins to emerge of what you are likely to be hearing when you listen to The Diving Bell. Michael Champion (vocals / guitar) and David Phu (guitar) are the two men behind City of Glass, but for the eagle eyed spotters despite no mention of a drummer, there is one on the EP and if you see them live then there is a drummer there as well, as opposed to a drum machine.

This four track EP is seen as a prelude to City of Glass’ debut album which should be out in 2012 and two tracks from this EP; Sticks and Stones and Tourist; will form the basis of said debut album. The opening track of The Diving Bell is Sticks and Stones and with the City of Glass’ website featuring a live performance of this track, this one track has the potential to define, what for many will be their first experience of the City of Glass musical experience.

Whereas debut EP Equations began with the semblance of an electronic base from which the music floated over there was something interesting yet not quite wholly satisfying about the complete package. By comparison The Diving Bell is in its entirety purer in a crystallised sound. The drums on Sticks and Stones are regular yet softened, with the pick of guitar encouraging clearly intonated lyrics; it is catchy, confident and rewarding. There is something minimal about this approach, but despite that there is warmth to the package, which is sometimes not always the case when using the word minimalist. You can pick out those Foals references, but equally there are hints of Doves-lite here as well.

Tourist has a slightly slower pace to Sticks and Stones, but throws in nice chunks of synthesised chords that give the guitar something to gently riff against. Those remembering the television series Twin Peaks, may well pick up familiar evocative feelings for the music used on that show and certainly through Tourist. Although as the track moves beyond the middle towards its conclusion there are a few synthesised piano notes, which may bring the listener to towards thoughts of pan pipes and Enigma, but it is carefully short of those comparisons.

If Tourist and Sticks and Stones are tracks making the debut album, what have Michael and David decided to ditch? Well Little Shadows and Control are the unfortunate tracks to miss out that elevation to album status, but that doesn’t mean they should be dismissed. Little Shadows opens with a simple beat, short guitar piece, those clear vocals, before playing nicely with a an indie dance edge. Control ends this four track EP and opening wise there is little to distinguish the eletronica notes from Little Shadows and despite Control playing with a soft thunder like soundwave, the vocal style is very similar to Little Shadows. This possibly hints at why City of Glass are currently likely to reject these two tracks as they do not really have enough variety between themselves to stand alone.

If you enjoy your well constructed melodies, clear vocals and thoughtful lyrics, then go over to City of Glass’ website and check out their live video for Sticks and Stones and wait with baited breath for the release of their debut album in 2012.

Reviewed by Jimbo Walsh.

City of Glass' The Diving Bell EP is out on 5 September 2011 or for download now via their bandcamp site.