It’s generally accepted that progression and development are good things for a band to display. But to do so over a three-track EP is not an expectation that even the most unsympathetic listener would entertain. It’s interesting, then, that it’s possible to hear just this sort of forward momentum on Grudle Bay’s latest release, ‘Zoo Papa EP’.

The path the record follows is, from the outset, not an entirely smooth one. During ‘Low Fuss’ and ‘Flyta’, for example, there’s an occasional sparsity to the proceedings. An instrumental interlude will sound a little too lonesome, or a breathy vocal line will appear, lacking in support. This provokes the nagging feeling that the band haven’t quite reached a point at which they’re confident in a sound of their own; that they’re still working things out. Alongside this, though, are a number of positives: infectious, tightly packed drum rhythms are coupled with quietly energetic guitar riffs that keep pace with the beat and roll around under the lyrics. These, in turn, are pitched high and feel just about under control, as the vocals float up to the peaks of the first couple of tracks. All of this is promising, whilst not quite being able to mask the sense that there’s something lacking here. In short, two thirds of this EP sound like the band striving towards an end that ultimately proves elusive.

With ‘Aperture’, though, they reach it. A brooding melody introduces harmonies that are distinct in their strength and immediately take hold. The addictive drumbeat doesn’t take long to materialise and joins in proceedings flawlessly, feeling part of a confident, purposeful whole. It’s a much more assured performance and is devoid of those moments of fragility and disjointedness that trouble the preceding numbers. It proves that this band are capable of achieving what would otherwise only have been hinted at by this EP, and makes whatever Grudle Bay produce next a mouth-watering prospect.