Hairband are cutting their own groove through Glasgow's busy DIY scene

As is customary for such a densely populated, overlapping scene, Hairband's five members are drawn from a constellation of established indie pop groups including Breakfast Muff and Spinning Coin. Hairband’s self-titled debut EP – distributed by the recently-launched label branch of beloved record store Monorail – is built from the city’s well-honed indie-pop traditions and sense of community, but has a ominous undercurrent to distinguish it.

The subtly jarring imagery of the first two tracks sets the uneasy tone: on opener “Bee”, honey is “sugar water”; lead single “Bubble Sword” alludes to the oddball danger of a man armed with a child’s toy. The complementary waves of instrumentation and close vocal lines establish a sonic harmony that is at odds with the strange lyricism.

The group’s camaraderie is at the forefront of “Flying”, a lo-fi lament to supernatural abilities (“I say goodbye to the feeling of my feet on the earth beneath / and take to the sky”). Populated by interweaving sing-song guitar lines and soothing melody, its warmth invites the listener in; its repeated refrain, “I know a place where we can try to learn how to fly” suggests an anthem for a secret society where everyone is invited.

If “Flying” is the invitation, then “Sassy Moon” is the initiation ritual, balancing drama and humour with a central witchy demand: “How do you feel / how do you feel / about the moon?” Closing track “White Teeth” is an ambiguous, voyeuristic tribute to a briefly-glimpsed crush, or stalkee, or victim: “Your teeth glisten in the sun / Your tongue runs over your gums / I can see your smile from miles around”. The vocal harmonies are sugary-sweet as appreciation turns to a threat. This characteristic balance of sweet and sinister makes Hairband a promising debut for a group who have already claimed their niche in a crowded scene.