EP REVIEW: ANNIE RELEASES 'THE A&R' EP AND IT'S AMAZING. YES, AMAZING

Bold statement, yes. Absolutely true, yes.

Norwegian pop sensation Annie has released 'The A&R' EP, a collaboration with British producer Richard X (responsible for brilliant gems such as Will Young's 'Echoes' and The Sound of Arrows' 'Voyage'). Labelled her comeback album we've had high hopes -and yes- it delivers.

Opening with the lead single 'Back Together', you're instantly thrown back into late '80s pop heaven. Reminiscent of a Stock Aitken Waterman-esque production, you'd be forgiven for thinking your bleach-blonde hair was crimped and you were wearing bright pink leg warmers. The track 'Ralph Macchio' follows in the same vain, with it actually impossible not to find yourself bopping and singing away with Annie's adorable vocals.

'Hold On' plays out like an early Italian house gem had given birth to a Pet Shop Boys baby. Speaking of Pet Shop Boys, you'd almost be forgiven for thinking they were behind the track 'Invisible', with it's '90s-inspired piano-led beats that pull us back into early underground English house.

And then of course, the EP finishes with 'Mixed Emotions' - another great example of what happens when brilliant pop minds -Annie and X- get together. Expect this EP to be on high rotation for a solid few months.

4.5/5

'The A&R' EP is out now [iTunes]