It's Been A While.

'Sunshine EP' is the first release by Peterborough based two-piece The Candle Thieves, and I am not the first person nor will I be the last to say it will undoubtedly add to their snowballing popularity. 'The Sunshine Song', the recent single, kicks off the EP brilliantly. As a track, it encapsulates perfectly exactly what the duo are about and what they do best. Scott McEwan enters the song coupled with his acoustic guitar after several bars of synthesized beats with the words "I would buy you a rainbow...", heralding the start of one of the most upbeat and feel-good songs to grace your eardrums. After listening to the song once or twice, you're left with a sweet taste in your mouth, pondering young love, daisy chains and hot summer days. The music video for this track can also be found on the band's Myspace page.

'My Love Will Clap It's Hands For You' chimes in as the second track of the EP. More downbeat than the previous track, this serves more as a warning as Scott McEwan sings it so perfectly "If love is all you have, don't let it go". This sweet and charming track, lasting just over three minutes, rings of the serene naivety that the band seem to instill into everything they do.

'The State That I'm In' should be a sing-along already for those who are already fans of The Candle Thieves. This track was once upon a time given away as a freebie after signing up to the band's mailing list. A showcase that Scott and The Glock can tip the scales from the feel-good serenity of the previous two tracks, this track dawdles by with all of the haunting solemnity of disillusionment and young heartbreak. "I don't fit into this life", Scott McEwan sings as the track reaches its conclusion, accompanied by chilling xylophones and a simplistic yet fitting drum beat.

The final track of the EP, 'Lonely Lonely Lonely', is an absolute gem. The angelic harmony of slowly strummed acoustic guitar, glockenspiel, and keyboard is matched perfectly with The Glock's soothing voice. This slow and moving ballad becomes more of a lullaby at times, but one that will leave you sleeping in shock nonetheless, as it truly is a stunningly written and performed song. A breathtaking song to leave people either speechless or teary-eyed, it bows out as beautifully as it came in, with The Glock asking himself, "How long can I keep this up for?".

These four songs are a perfect way for two very talented musicians to herald their entrance into the music industry. The first half of the EP shows just what you'd expect from a band such as The Candle Thieves, by which I mean jovial, feel-good pop, dripping from head-to-toe with the blissful exuberance of youth and young love. The second half is a solemn but hauntingly beautiful affair, with two excellently written ballads to break your heart.

Expect big things...

'The Sunshine EP' comes out on Monday 14th via Alcopop Records (although it has been available digitally since the 10th). For more information on The Candle Thieves, head to their Myspace page.