Named either after a Mansun song or the Nietzschian 'will to power', Everyone Must Win hail from Cardiff and have quite a refreshing take on themselves. Rather than professing to "sound like" a long list of classic bands, which usually only sets bands up for a fall (see: Johnny Borrell), they play reverse psychology with music reviewers by claiming an unashamed and happy-go-lucky attitude.
This no doubt spreads into their music, of which the latter description is probaly most apt. Rather than putting on a mockney or wannabe American accent, for example, singer Ryan Stevens just warbles in something probably much closer to his own voice. It's by no means the best out there, but has an impressive Morrissey sort of range to it, as heard on the near goat-herding tones on the 'You Were Right Again' chorus.

Musically, the band sound lo-fi and Libertinesey with minimal overdrive on the guitars and no production gimmicks. Whether the latter is by stylistic choice or actual limitation remains to be seen. The song itself is catchy and a nice enough indie-pop number with hooks to satisfy a mainstream ear, but there's nothing particularly special or ear-grabbing on display. (And just because you're unselfconscious about this, that doesn't make it better...)

The track 'Haunted' on their Myspace is definitely superior, and hints at a darker and slightly heavier side - if you close your eyes you see an early Idlewild noisily brooding away. The impression overall is of a band with the right attitude finding its feet and its own style, so it may well be worth keeping an eye on their progression.


Chris Thomas