Posted March 26, 2013

By VANESSA RAMOS

The female British group The Saturdays has invaded the States with its recently released EP titled “Chasing The Saturdays” that features a high-energy mix of songs that are sure to get any party started.

The EP (Extended Play) consists of five tracks: “What About Us,” “All Fired Up,” “Higher,” “Notorious” and “Ego.” The dance-pop EP showcases the members’ individual vocal talents and delivers fast beats and catchy melodies that make The Saturdays worthwhile for listening and dancing.

Since the EP is only five songs, it’s not long enough to be considered an album. However, this EP is significant for U.S. fans of The Saturdays because this is the first time that these songs are available in the States.

The newest song on the EP, “What About Us” is the group’s first North American single release. The other four tracks have been featured on previous albums.

Originally formed in 2007, The Saturdays have a large fan base in Europe and have released four studio albums, the most recent of which was “On Your Radar“ released in November 2011. To date, the band has 13 singles in the UK, 11 of which have become top-10 hits.

The fun, get-up-and-dance EP was released on Jan. 27 of this year, just a week after The Saturdays’ E! network reality show, “Chasing the Saturdays,” premiered. The show features the five members of the band breaking into the American music market and adjusting to life on the road away from their families.

The group’s members, Una Healy, Rochelle Humes, Mollie King, Frankie Sandford and Vanessa White range in age from mid-20s to early 30s. On their newest EP, these talented Brits sing songs about having fun, going out, relationships and the importance of being true to themselves. It certainly sounds like they are having fun being themselves in their music.

The lead track on the EP, “What About Us” is upbeat, catchy and works well to introduce listeners to The Saturdays’ strong vocals. The electronic beat makes the song fun and danceable. It’s something that sounds pop enough for mainstream radio, but could also very well be played at nightclubs. The infectious beat makes you want to get up and dance.

“All Fired Up,” the second song on the EP, definitely has more of a sexy and sultry sound to it. It sounds like something that would be played at an upscale nightclub and features a fast tempo and heavy synth. This track was featured on The Saturdays’ third studio album, “On Your Radar,” which was released in 2011. The lyrics talk about partying, having a good time and “dancing on the bar.” This is the type of song that will get any party started.

The song “Higher” featuring Flo Rida was originally featured on the band’s mini album, “Headlines!” in 2010. “Higher” begins with Flo Rida rapping the band member’s names in the beginning and then leads into Vanessa White’s vocals. Flo Rida’s performance makes the song feel more relaxed than the previous songs on the EP. The slower tempo allows for the vocals to stand out. “Higher” would be the perfect song to listen to while hanging out with friends or even driving alone.

The fourth song on the EP, “Notorious” was the lead single from the band’s third studio album, “On Your Radar” and has the most synthesis out of all of the songs. Mollie King’s intro sounds heavily auto-tuned, but makes the track feel fun. The heavy electronic beat and robotic sounds feel futuristic, but the playful lyrics ground it as a pop song.

“Ego,” the final track on the “Chasing the Saturdays” EP, was originally featured on the group’s second studio album, “Wordshaker.” Like “Notorious,” “Ego” sounds futuristic and somewhat robotic. However, the chorus is more girly and youthful sounding. The synthesized riffs and danceable beat are typical for The Saturdays and make “Ego” an entertaining pop song.

• “Chasing The Saturdays” EP
• The Saturdays (Una Healy, Rochelle Humes, Mollie King, Frankie Sandford and Vanessa White)
• US Label: Mercury, Island Def Jam
• Release Date: Jan. 27, 2013
• Formats: CD, digital download
• $7.98 for CD, $4.05 on iTunes
• Rating: 4 stars out of 5