It seems like we have been enthusing over a torrent of impressive debuts from and introductions to truly promising bands this year already, and taking their place in that list is certainly UK alternative rock band Leopards who are about to unveil their new EP Future ||Fate ||Forever. A five track blaze of melodic rock infectiousness and alternative tenacity, the encounter is a highly appetising and imaginatively crafted adventure which maybe does not quite push the band head and shoulders above a flock of similarly flavoured propositions but definitely allows the band’s presence and potential to shine and grab attention.
The Manchester quintet emerged in 2010, weaving in inspirations from bands such as Mallory Knox, Don Broco, Natives, and Lower Than Atlantis into their own fresh ideation. Their live presence was soon putting the band on the map locally as did with broadening success early releases, though it was the release of the track Have Heart last year that a wider attention was nudged. It is a spotlight easy to see being properly awakened by the Romesh Dodangoda (Kids in Glass Houses, Funeral For A Friend and Twin Atlantic) produced Future||Fate||Forever hereon in though.
That notion is soon raising its suggestiveness with opening track Save Yourself. In a single breath the potent rhythms of drummer Rhys Gibson are framing a blaze of melodic enterprise cast by the guitars of Ben Corbett-Mills and Craig Henderson, through which a just as flavoursome bassline from Billy Fletcher adds its shadowed expression. The strong start relaxes in intensity as the swiftly impressing vocals of Jenna Clare begin unveiling the song’s narrative, a dip embracing her warm tones but keeping the already fascinating character of the song as potent as before. The 
feisty hard rock weight and energy begins lapping over ears with tidal regularity as the whole song progresses, ebbing and flowing across its length and around the broadening enterprise of guitars and vocals. Speared by the rhythmic tenacity of Fletcher and Gibson, the track continues to grow, edging nearer to a climactic chorus which steals the song’s show ultimately as Clare roars with passion and a melodic tang which grips her delivery.
The impressive start continues to hold ears and attention tight as both Promise Me and Take Control dance with creative vivacity over the senses. The first of the two twists and flirts with a pop rock invention and unpredictable imagination next, occasionally stopping in its tracks for brief seconds to wrong-foot and spark new adventure to the superbly spun sound. Aligning itself to this is an anthemic bellow which again finds its focal point through a pungent chorus that easily recruits the listener’s own endeavours to its cause. Its successor bounds in with similar energy and creative hunger, and again is unafraid to shuffle up its attack and flavours. It is, as the EP, probably fair to say that the songs are not creating new templates for alternative and melodic rock, but equally they bring a fresh and invigorating proposition which leaves pleasure full and interest in Leopards eager.
The outstanding Broken Family steps up after, this a song which in some ways draws on the existing qualities and successes of the previous songs on the EP to shape its own infectious temptation. There is maybe a touch of similarity across the quintet of songs as well as an unmistakeable Paramore essence, but each and proven powerfully here, explores its own distinct and captivating identity whilst keeping ears and emotions firmly enthused. The catchiness of the song is irresistible pop rock at its most potent, firing up body and imagination ready for the closing charms of April. The final song emerges on an almost tribal spread of rhythms, Gibson instantly enslaving an instinctive like as Clare croons with siren-esque elegance within the melodic hug of guitars aligned to darker bass shadows. Once again Leopards hold attention and pleasure in the palm of their creative hands, something Future||Fate||Forever does from start to finish with ease.
The EP is a thoroughly enjoyable first major prod at national attention, and confirmation for those in the know that Leopards is a band with very healthy and impacting horizons just waiting for them if they want them.
The Future||Fate||Forever EP is available from February 23rd physically @ http://leopards.bigcartel.com/product/future-fate-forever-physical-ep and digitally through all stores.
http://www.weareleopards.co.uk/
RingMaster 23/02/2015
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