Annie is, for all intents and purposes, Norway’s Little Boots. It makes sense, therefore, that the two would collaborate on ’The A&R EP’, the latest release from Annie, in particular co-writing lead single Back Together.
Both artists create indie-pop that straddles the boundaries
between pop and dance. And both sing in
soft, high, girlish voices. And they’re
both….blonde.
It’s fair to say, then, if you like one, you’ll probably
like the other. ‘The A&R EP’ is a
polished release, following on from her 2004 debut album ‘Anniemal’ and its
follow-up 2009’s ‘Don’t Stop’. And like
Little Boots, those tracks at the poppier end of the spectrum are preferable to
the dancier efforts: Back Together and
Hold On are therefore highlights, as
is the 80s feel of Ralph Macchio,
whilst the repetitive Invisible stumbles.
The EP lacks some of the oomph of Annie’s earlier work, such
as breakthrough hit Chewing Gum, but
it’s certainly paving the way towards another excellent album.
3/5
Listen: ‘The A&R EP’ is available now.