8/10

Throughout the last few years, Leicester-based outfit Mouth Culture have been building and developing their sound with remarkable results. Despite only a string of singles to their name in recent months, the band have been able to rack up more than one million streams on Spotify, found support on BBC Radio 1, BBC Introducing and Amazing Radio, and sold out their hometown headline show in under ten minutes. But now the group are crossing the first major milestone of their career so far by delivering their long-awaited debut EP 'These Days Mixtape', a five-track collection of their most impressive cuts to date.

From the very start, it is clear where the buzz for this group has been coming from. Channelling a mixture of euphoric indie-rock tropes with an energetic flair has given them an enticing direction that is impossible to ignore. Skirting the outer peripheries of alt-rock at times, 'These Days mixtape' makes for a captivating listen, with tracks like 'Honey' and 'These Days' serving as the pillar behind their sound. But they also showcase a more groove-laden direction on efforts such as 'Nobody Wants You', giving them this instantly eclectic vibe that adds depth and levity to their work.

Things may still be in their infancy for the five-piece, but 'These Days Mixtape' is a firm reminder that they are still very much on the rise right now. Most bands are lucky to pull off the odd anthem in their career, and these guys seem to have them in spades. An indication of very big things on the horizon.