The Assist are a Walsall-based band who caught my attention during a stellar year for them last year. After having released their debut album, which made it to #21 in the album charts, they hit my radar through tracks Television Kid and Better Days. Now they’re back with four acoustic renditions of tracks off their debut. It’s called Council Pop Unplugged.

By Graeme Smith

Feature photo by Luke Jones

Council Pop Unplugged gives us stripped back versions of My Friend Drug, Numb, Daydream and the aforementioned Better Days. The combination of ethereal orchestration and gritty, down-to-earth lyrics is frankly quite breath-taking.

My Friend Drug starts things off with gentle keys, violin and acoustic guitar. Lead singer Mikey’s vocals are given the space they need to express a melancholic story of loss and hope. The true depth of the band’s lyrics come to the fore, showing why The Assist are a cut above the average UK indie band.

Numb opens with the emotive violin of Julianne Bourne, who the band credit with helping develop their reworked sound. Lyrically it has a heart-breaking relatability, with themes of loneliness and escapism. Daydream gives us a lighter moment, with bright acoustic guitar and a wistful, positive story.

Better Days is the perfect EP closer. Even in this stripped back form it’s as catchy as I remember, and its energy still comes through strong. Railing against the work/play cycle there’s a fire about it, delivered in this version with lively percussion and a groovy guitar melody that will be stuck in your head long after the song’s last notes play.

Council Pop Unplugged was recorded at RML Studios with production coming from Ryan Pinson, who also worked on The Assist’s debut. This EP shows just how serious The Assist are about their music, and why they are getting the attention that they are. You can check out the full record below.