The Charity Stripe - Islands
Label: Self-Release
Style: Indie, Powerpop, Alternative
Released: 2005
My Grade: 4 stars
AMG: n/a
Sounds like: Death Cab For Cutie, Wonderful


It is easy to get jaded listening to independent bands, all too often you will hear the same squeal, the same painful lines and clichéd guitars and eventually it just hurts to listen, so you stay away from them; or you give them all the same grading because ‘well its hard to go the indie route’ – even when you know that is just an excuse for poor musicianship.

Luckily we have bands like The Charity Stripe, who bring passion, strong musicianship and actual talent with them on their debut EP. It is an album you don’t want to stop listening to, it gets stuck on repeat until you know every word by heart and love it.

Do you remember the days before "emo" – before that word spread like wildfire over the youth and turned itself into a cult of difference like pop/punk before it; do you remember when it was ok to pine for the loss of a loved one, to cry for a love that has not happened without being called ‘emo’ through wide framed glasses. It has almost become a curse, or insult, and has become so all-encompassing that any band with a hint of emotion has the possibility of being branded; so thank your lucky stars for The Charity Stripe and their brand of indie rock. A surefire collection of lovely music that any listener will enjoy; give them a chance and they will warm your heart. This EP is highly recommended.

Reviewed by: Samuel Aaron