Streetlight’s new EP Wolfnotes is a promising preview to what could be a new hit album to come. Their new sound involves funky riffs, awesome lyrics and a generally mature rock sound that rivals bigger bands for sound quality and professionalism. The EP boasts six tracks and was recorded with the help of producer Dave Parkin of Sugar Army and Snowman fame.

This aural offering has been a year in the making for the Perth locals, and the time spent is obvious in the finished product. The sound quality and attention to detail has Streetlight sounding like a bigger band then they actually are. It’s quite impressive. Although the former NBT winners have been around for a while, having a massive shakeup like a member as influential to the sound as a violinist leave, would have other bands falling by the wayside. But the boys from Streetlight have done an admirable job picking up the pieces and developing a whole new rock sound that has you thinking, “There used to be a Violin?”

Starting off the EP is the epic Watch the Empire Fall. The song has a catchy, pub rock vibe that will have you bouncing on the spot and the chorus will have you singing along in no time even if you have no idea what the words are. If in doubt, check the cover of the EP that conveniently, has all the lyrics to every song between the folded booklet. Thank you lads! Not enough bands do that these days.

Pegged as the hit of the EP and the song that will possibly get the most play on the radio is Red Sunrise. It’s a soaring, fast-paced track filled with visual imagery. Makes you think of the desert and is a great driving companion.

Following Red Sunrise is St Peters, A Fast Way to Slow Down and Blackpool. All good songs, but these three are slightly more generic in terms of what this band is capable of. They have great guitar riffs, uplifting vocals and booming drums but stylistically they have a tendency to fade into the background.

While the band, and others, have predicted that Red Sunrise will be the most popular and thus most successful inclusion, Vietnam is the shining track on this EP. It has everything a good song should have. It has highs and lows that add dimension to the whole EP. Its bluesy beginning in the swamps of Louisiana makes a perfect counterpoint to the stomping rock climax, all of it held together by the wailing of what might be a slide guitar, or perhaps it is the violin of old.

Wolfnotes is a firm step forward for the boys from Streetlight. It’s definitely worth picking this one up off the CD rack and popping it into your car -it’s such empowering music to drive to work to. Hopefully, their next offering will be a full length album so that they can start being the bigger band that they so obviously already are.