Indie Launchpad doesn't seem to feature a great deal of rock music, and that's largely because, for one reason or another, I just don't seem to get much exposure to it. The offerings can often feel surprisingly scant, so it was a genuine breath of fresh air to discover Tooth.

This five-track EP opens with "Schoolyard", and it's the immediacy of the track that grabs you straight away. Electric guitars burst into life from the outset, quickly joined by driving drums that establish the band's intent. The vocals carry a youthful swagger that feels both confident and authentic, bringing back fond memories of the indie and alternative bands that soundtracked countless teenage years.

For me, though, it's "Age of Innocence" where the EP really begins to reveal its potential. The drums crash in with purpose, and the song feels more fully realised, as if the band has settled comfortably into its own skin. The vocals offer subtle nods to bands such as Travis and Supergrass, evoking the spirit of late-'90s and early-2000s British guitar music without ever feeling derivative. There's a confidence here that suggests Tooth have a clear understanding of where they want to go.

"Wallflower" provides a welcome change of pace after the spirited energy of the opening two tracks. It's softer and more reflective, allowing the listener a moment to breathe. The band shows a more vulnerable side here, wearing their hearts on their sleeves just enough to be affecting without ever slipping into sentimentality. The result is a track that adds depth and balance to the EP.

Showing a more overtly pop-influenced side is "Medicine". While it may have a little less fire than some of the preceding tracks, it doesn't lack heart. The melodies are strong, the hooks are memorable, and it demonstrates the band's willingness to broaden their sound rather than simply relying on volume and energy. It's another reminder that Tooth have more than one string to their bow.

The EP closes with "Restless in Bloom", a track that I enjoyed but one that didn't quite resonate with me in the way I had hoped. Interestingly, it was their most recent single release and, on YouTube Music at least, appears to be the most popular track from the EP. While I can understand its appeal, it never quite reaches the heights of the songs that precede it. It's certainly good, but for me it falls just short of being a standout.

Overall, this is an impressive EP and one that leaves me excited to hear what Tooth do next. There's a lot to like here, energy, melody, confidence, and a clear sense of identity beginning to emerge. If there's one thing I'd like to hear on a future full-length release, it's that defining anthemic moment, the kind of song that makes you close your eyes and picture a festival crowd singing every word back at the stage, becoming a temporary extension of the band itself. On the strength of this EP, Tooth feel more than capable of writing that song. I look forward to what debut album brings.