A little over two years ago, before this blog began in earnest, we were listening to London-based singer Norma Jean Martine's excellent run of demos and singles - one of which, 'No Gold', arrived on our favourite indie, Super Recordings (HONNE, AlunaGeorge). Norma has spent the time since wisely, signing a deal with Virgin/EMI and honing her songwriting with members of Athlete and The Magic Numbers. The first fruits of those sessions is her Animals EP, and its title-track offers a glimpse at what's in store with soothing harmonies wrapped around gruff, gutsy drums and twanging Stones-y guitar riffs starring. By the time we reach the stomping, swaggering final chorus, it's clear that NJM has finally found her groove as an artist. Irresistible just about covers it. - DC