It is always rewarding to stumble upon a band like this, a band that exudes potential on every note, beat and second of this twenty minute, four track debut EP. Anish are from the west of England and comprise of Anish Harrison on vocals, Andy Skittrall on guitar, Ian Styles on Bass and Philip Legrende on drums. Although it is Andy who is responsible for writing the music and lyrics, and all three males are talented musicians, it is impossible not to focus upon the talents of Ms Harrison, which are considerable.
She has a voice that straddles perfectly the line between little girl lost and mature vamp. A voice that despite the minor league recording facilities shines throughout the CD. She is, or was at least at the time of recording last year, just 18 years old. There aren't many artist I can think of that display such versatility and character whilst still a teen, when coupled with the fact she is very attractive we surely have a record executives dream. One hopes that should that come to pass her vocal talent is allowed to flourish and grow, I can genuinely say I want to hear more of Anish Harrison's voice, I am intrigued to how life and age will effect its range and resonance.
'Blinded by the sun' comprises of three tracks, one of which we get to hear two variations of. Although it is effective within the context of the flow of this E.P, it also raises the question of how much material Anish have available for recording. Certainly what we have presented to us is quality, and Andy has a real skill in terms of being able to write appropriately for his female vocalist, I just hope there is lot more available for the next E.P or full-length album.
Track one is 'Blinded by the sun', which of the four tracks has the weakest production, nevertheless it is perhaps the purest. The guitar and Anish's voice jostle for center stage in a simple pop tune that showcases the bands accessibility. Next is 'Heaven or Hell', the E.P's center piece, complete with guest violin, the music develops snake like around a vocal line that is as solid as a smoke ring. A track that does everything to convince that we have a band, and a singer, with a large and long future ahead of them.
'Millenium bug' is a track that suggests it needs slightly more focus in terms of its structure. The weakest track of the four, it paradoxically has the best single section, as the music spirals upwards, Anish's voice and Andy's guitar race and play with each other in a way that would suggest a sexual peak to anyone who subscribes to any of Freud's theories. Even if you don't it is the highlight of a track that with some reworking could be really special.
Finishing of the CD is a reprise of 'Heaven or Hell' which this time is stripped down to just voice and violin, and is an effective ending. It also proves that Anish's voice can stand alone without any accompaniment, I wonder how many other female vocalists of a similar age could manage this? One has to hope that Anish do not go the way of so many bands and fade away from this extremely promising start. I for one am certainly eager to hear their next effort.

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