As the Bear On A Bicycle label nears its first anniversary (read our interview with them here), Sier Pin Sky could have done nothing to thrill the collective and its fans more than deliver this debut EP. As accessible as it is challenging, ‘Upon the Cusp’ drips with consummate ability, and it’s difficult to believe that these 15 minutes is the outfit’s first appearance. There are two features, specifically, that contribute to this. The first is the production: there is a polished finish to the way that this trio of songs is arranged and mixed, demonstrating what sounds like a lengthy development of technique, and a deftness of touch. Secondly, a healthy instrumental cast is present atop the expected guitar and vocal combination, with double bass, flute and trumpet amongst the fray. These varied textures are never employed simply for the sake of throwing in as much as possible; they bring subtle accents and definition to each song, and the restraint with which they’re sprinkled into the compositions has that elusive quality of sounding easy when it’s almost certainly not. What all this amounts to is the feeling that Sier Pin Sky have a vision – and know not only how to express it, but how to do so thoughtfully and with stylish elegance.

Individually, all three songs are quiet starters that give little clue to where they will eventually end up. ‘Raging Rams’ is a gorgeous opening, with Adam Watson’s rough-edged vocals floating through hypnotic guitar lines as mist rises through the woods at dawn. ‘The Dusky Lindens’ demonstrates the clearest example of a few shifts in nature present on this EP, recalling The Grinding Young’s ‘VIP’ in its changeable constitution, making no allowances for likeability but being all the more attractive for it. Finally, there’s ‘Us Onwards’ which culminates in a lovely, flowering melody that complements the lyrical sentiment (“eternally feminine, draws us homewards”) wonderfully, and gives the record a satisfying sense of closure.

It’s a very impressive and rewarding experience from these self-styled ‘part-time string fiddlers’, and speaks volumes in favour of them and their label. Both have our full attention for what we hope will be an extremely interesting 2013.