Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * *

When a band puts out an E.P. or album that has the flash of inspiration attached to it by supplementing the musical aura with a touch of mystique, the ears tend to get just a little more excited and the brain digs just that little bit harder to understand what makes the group and the music tick. With The Last Scout layering secretive messages from the start with the sound of a pre-Second World War radio drama broadcast in which the idea of courage and making a stand is paramount, the E.P. brims with clever vocals and music which bounces along in a way that is reminiscent to the way that the much underrated Yorkshire band Dead Like Harry sounded.

The group, which consists of Guy Thackham, Chris Haywood, the sublime feminine vocals of Suzanne Mansfield and the artistry of Emma Thackham, are joined by some incredible talent throughout. With Stephanie G. Kearley and Jamie Ingram producing some exciting work alongside the main members of the band, the E.P.’s tracks are not just music, they are coded messages enticing the listener to enjoy and reflect upon what they have heard. The notes, both vocally and musically, hang in the air waiting to be plucked and gathered and spoken over with the meaning never lost.

With the remarkable The Cowboy Song pointing the way, the E.P. flows and ebbs, the drums and cello combining very well with the guitar and the other songs increase the fever in which Suzanne Mansfield delivers the shy but beautiful vocals. Alone Tonight, By Starlight and the excellent Burn give many reasons to believe in this group.

With this self-titled E.P. The Last Scout have earned their merit badges and made the way clear for their fans to enlist more to their ranks.

Ian D. Hall