Single: Scaramanga Six � The Continuing Saga of the Scaramanga Six EP

Label: Wrath records (WRATHCD02)

Released: Out now

Web sites: www.wrathrecords.co.uk  www.thescaramangasix.co.uk

Enter the Scaramanga Six, a troop of men and women dedicated to defeating bland rock music everywhere.  It�s an ambitious challenge�how much territory will they have gained with their latest EP?

The self-proclaimed �band who torture, from Yorkshire� (their phrase, not mine!) appear to be making good progress if this EP is anything to go by.  Formed in the latter nineties, and now part of the Wrath Records collective of Leeds bands, they appear to have been working very hard to get their name and music out to hungry listeners.

The battle begins with �Pressure Cage�, a high octane opener that stamps on the head of bland rock.  Raw guitars burst in alongside a very retro organ sound that lends it an unusual quality for this type of music.  �Last night someone stole my car� roars out of the speakers, and there�s plenty of aggression here.  The drums roll along and carry us through a very satisfying opener.

�Singer of Songs� releases the accelerator a little and slows the mood.  The vocal performance here is still strong, but will not be to everyone�s taste.  I have the feeling that the tongue is firmly in cheek for a lot of the lyrics, and this carries through to the lead vocals.  This results in a big, classic sounding voice, which doesn�t always lie comfortably with this sort of music.  Don�t get me wrong, it still works.  It may just grate a little on some ears.  On the other hand, certain tracks benefit from some fantastic spontaneous screams, which add an unpredictable air to the proceedings.

�Big in a Small Town� cranks the pace back up with a great riff and intro build.  Again, plenty of tongue in cheek humour and irony in the vocals here, which is somehow uniquely British in its nature.

�The Stupidest Man in the World� slows things off again, with some more organ fun thrown in for good measure.

�The Continuing Saga of�� rounds things up (almost�) in full-on anthemic style, with a very big organ tune, coupled cleverly with complimentary guitar riffs.  The humour is most evident in this track.  �And I know you think this story�s dragging on�� sings the vocalist over the retro soundscape.  A few minutes later, the EP draws to a close�or does it?  There�s a comic twist in the tale as a �hidden� track kicks back in a few minutes later.  The instrumental track is perhaps my favourite part of the EP.  Perhaps it works well because as a �hidden� track the band could play the song with minimal pressure.  Whatever way, it is an enjoyable surprise close to a good quality EP.

Good though the EP is, I really feel that they have better stuff up their sleeve.  It�s a well rounded and polished EP that I can whole-heartedly recommend investing in, but I think there are bigger battles that the Six will win in the future.  Watch this space!

Oh, and by the way, I read that the band used to walk on stage and stare at the audience whilst they smoked a full cigarette, just to freak them out.  I think such bravery deserves a mention!

7/10, Mark Lee