Masked Swedes Märvel are back with a new EP, and what a great deal of fun it is to be sure. Originally released in March, it’s getting another push from label The Sign Records and so who are we to deny the boys a bit of extra publicity?

First track Back in the Saddle might share it’s name with an Aerosmith tune but sonically it’s pure Kiss, by way of a little bit of fellow Swedes Mama Kin; Rollicking hard rock fun that you’ve heard before, yes, but that’s absolutely not going to hurt you if you hear it some more.

One Shining Moment is heavier and faster, with a bit of dirt under the fingernails thanks to Fred Estby‘s sympathetic production and some committed playing. The title track isn’t quite as good – airy pop with not much substance, if truth be told – but it does contain a killer solo from John Steen, but fourth track Goodbye Shalom gets things back on a heavy keel, mixing sweet harmonies with classic Swedish hard rock crunch in finest Hellacopters style.

A nice surprise lurks at track number five, as the plucky three piece have at the W.A.S.P. classic L.O.V.E. Machine, delivering a fathful Märvelised version with another superb solo that I’m sure Blackie Lawless would approve of. I know I certainly do.

Last track Bring it On ends matters in slightly downbeat style, being less rousing than most of what’s gone before, but that doesn’t detract from the fact that this charming little EP is well worth anyone’s time and attention. Tidy work!

The Hills Have Eyes will be released on July 7th.