My discovery of the English boyband Rixton happened when a friend suggested I look them up on YouTube. One video led to another, and I spent the remainder of my night binge-watching covers and interviews. Jake Roche, frontman and main vocalist, has a natural charisma that magnifies on stage and electrifies the crowd. Other band members include bassist and keyboardist Danny Wilkin, guitarist Charley Bagnall and drummer Lewi Morgan.

Singles “Wait On Me” and “Me and My Broken Heart” have easily climbed the U.S. and international charts due to their foot-tapping melodies and beautiful harmonies.

“Me and My Broken Heart” mixes smooth R&B beats with catchy pop lyrics similar to the early years of Maroon 5. Lead vocalist Roche’s sultry voice is like medicine for the soul. Lyrics like “Shotgun, aimed at my heart, you got one / Tear me apart and then some / How do we call this love” prove them to be more than accents and pretty faces.

Rixton’s “Me and My Broken Heart EP” released March 18, 2014 featuring four songs total; all of which will be on their upcoming album “Let The Road,” scheduled to be released Jan. 6, 2015. Eleven out of the 12 songs on the deluxe edition have already been released through various media such as the band’s Vevo and YouTube accounts. The only song left to be heard is “Let the Road.”

A personal favorite off the EP is “Appreciated.” This song is different from the others: slower, meaningful, and sentimental like a ballad. The chorus “cause it’s you who / somehow is always the first to / take care of me at my worst / you are appreciated” creates the sole meaning behind the song: appreciate those you love.

After listening to the EP, I was left wanting more. Their lyrics are relatable and feel as if the songs were tailored just to you. Combine that with a medley of instruments and I found myself singing at the top of lungs, moving to the beat. If a mere 4 songs already has me jumping for joy, what will happen when a whole album comes out?

Their EP just barely scratches the surface of and provides listeners with just a fraction of their talent. My expectations for the upcoming album are high and are sure to be exceeded.

You can buy “Me and My Broken Heart EP” for $3.99 on Amazon and if you like it as much as I did, preorder “Let The Road” for $7.99 on iTunes.

by SARAH MARTINEZ