(Independent)

Golden syrup in sound

As Ranger’s self-titled EP opens in a blaze of electric slide that wraps itself around Cameron Mackenzie’s lackadaisical drawl, it’s almost impossible to refrain from applying the country tag. It’s not far wrong, but first impressions are generally somehow flawed – and that’s the case here. For all the down-home instrumentation, the rhythm of these four golden-hued tracks is firmly rooted in gorgeous pop-rock. This delicious meld is the key to its success. Country twanginess vies with crisply strummed guitar on Secret Places and Leave A Light On; clearly dominant on the former, then countered by the plucked mandolin of Adele Pickvance on the latter. Both tracks work: the arrangement is never treacly. Wise Up is muscly acoustic-rock, and Pickvance’s lush backing harmonies at the conclusion are a highlight. Get Things Started then drifts back to where we started to round out a promising debut for this talented local trio.

STEPHEN GOODWIN

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