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It was way back in October 2001, when Valentine Records unleashed their first full commercial release: a four track EP of gritty, emotional post-punk pop from caustic guitar quartet Extinguish Her

The NME praised the labels zeitgeisty cool while an unexpected Guardian G2 cover story helped cement the bands reputation as ones to watch for the coming year. Although the record sold well and helped position Valentine as one of the countrys most promising independents the original incarnation of Extinguish Her parted company in the summer of 2002

After a three year break, uncompromising singer-songwriter Ellie Akhgar returns with a fully revitalised band on this deliciously energetic comeback record.

The new line-up is completed with the addition of James Dooley (bass) and Paul Flieshman (drums/guitar/production), both of whom add a depth and diversity to the Extinguish Her sound a far cry from the DIY fumblings of yore.

Indeed, since (re)forming in 2005 the band have clocked up an impressive array of live appearances, including support slots for The Eighties Matchbox B-Line Disaster, Ladyfuzz and We Rock Like Girls Dont, as well as an emphatic performance at Manchesters ITC festival in September.

Opening with the playful live favourite Flowers In My Hair, the EP captures Ellie Akhgars characteristic vocal delivery against a backdrop of punchy production and tight guitars.

Me and Mine and She Never Tells introduce a new acoustic sensibility to the mix, while standout cuts Virago and Like God (the latter previously released on a split-single with The Star Fighter Pilot last October) are punctuated by dense, anthemic riffs and cautionary tales of good boys gone bad.

Extinguish Her: Hit My Head is released on July 10th 2006