Paper Crown EP is Man The Mighty’s second release, the follow up to 2013’s critically acclaimed I Am Icarus.

Released on 3 June, Paper Crown is a six track EP from the boys from Illinois. For those who are unfamiliar with the band, Man The Mighty are a four piece band with Derek Smith on vocals/guitar, Tim Tournier on guitar/vocals. Tyler Nelson on bass and Matt Harmening on drums. A mighty talented quartet!

The Coldest Day in August opens the proceedings with some passionate drumming. It’s a strong powerful but melodic track that’s instantly enjoyable. For me there was a vibe of a 1980’s brat pack movie theme to it. (Not a bad thing, by the way!)

Dead Man Walking is next and sets a dark brooding tone. There’s a hint of synth, almost electronica in the intro but this is soon swept away as the song progresses. Great strong vocal performance on this one.

Friend Or Foe is hard and heavy from the off. When the vocals come in, the anger becomes more passionate but again in a melodic way. Love this one. Strong sweeping track.

Title track Paper Crown follows. There’s no denying the Mark Tremonti/Alter Bridge influences in the intro. Beautifully played. While not strictly a ballad. Paper Crown is the highlight of this EP.  Love the emotion in the band’s performance here and it showcases how much these guys have matured into their own sound. Looking forward to hearing this one live.

Man Made Thunder is a thundering track from the start. Hard. Heavy. Powerful. Again the vocals are strong and melodic without detracting from the energy of the song.

Trenches is the final track on this all too short record. Great riff. More of an 80’s vibe here again. The drumming on this track is perhaps the best in the EP. Stunning if brief guitar solo here too. A soaring conclusion that takes the listener’s breath away and leaves them begging for more.

There’s not a weak track on Paper Crown and, in my mind, it’s only fault is it’s too short (Hint for next time, guys!)

Really looking forward to hearing how these tracks translate to the live setting when I see Man The Mighty in Glasgow on 13 June.

9/10