The Darling Buds - Let's Go Round There 12''EP

The 12-inch EP release of Let's Go Round There acts as the perfect distillation of the band’s signature, sun-drenched "blonde" power-pop formula. Driven by an infectious, driving rhythm section and Harley Farr's shimmering, effects-laden Rickenbacker guitar work, the title track radiates a vivacious, summer-ready energy that instantly captures the essence of late-1980s British alternative guitar pop. Frontwoman Andrea Lewis anchors the song with her characteristically chirpy, sweetly twee vocal delivery, transforming abstract romantic escapism into a breathless, hook-heavy radio anthem that famously stood out as a deep-cut favorite during the album's promotional circuit.

What cements this particular maxi-single as a mandatory prize for physical media collectors is the stellar strength of its dual B-sides. Both "Turn You On" and the expansive, nearly four-minute "Different Daze" showcase a significantly darker, self-produced edge that leans heavily away from the glossy radio production of Pat Collier. They lean instead into a moody, feedback-kissed garage-rock atmosphere reminiscent of their earliest independent C86 roots. Safely archived across the high-fidelity grooves of a 45 RPM 12-inch pressing, this release preserves the band's uncompressed audio dynamics with immense sonic weight, making it a definitive historical artifact of Welsh alternative rock history.

The Darling Buds’ 1989 12-inch EP for Let's Go Round There (BLONDT3 / BLONDQ3) is an absolute masterclass in alternative pop curation, serving as a bright, effervescent conclusion to one of the most celebrated debut eras in late-80s British indie history. Arriving in the heat of the summer of 1989, the release functions as a beautifully confident victory lap. By this point, the Newport quartet had completely mastered their distinct brand of high-velocity, buzzsaw bubblegum pop, proving that underground jangle-guitar grit and mainstream hooks could live together in perfect harmony. This EP takes the finest pop asset from Pop Said... and surrounds it with raw studio experiments, highlighting a young band effortlessly stretching their creative wings.

The title track itself remains a spectacular centerpiece of shimmering guitar architecture and relentless melodic momentum. From its opening, sun-kissed guitar chords, "Let's Go Round There" moves with a breathless, driving kinetic energy. Andrea Lewis delivers a vocal performance of pure pop bliss, her crystalline harmonies floating with an effortless, gravity-defying sweetness over Harley Farr's wall of overdriven Rickenbacker chime. It is a track that perfectly bottles the feeling of youthful escapism, effortlessly matching the hyper-melodic brilliance of their previous hits while showcasing a slightly sleeker, more panoramic soundscape that pointed directly toward the impending dawn of 1990s alternative rock.

However, for serious vinyl enthusiasts, the true treasure of this 12-inch format lies on the flip side with its highly coveted non-album tracks. The self-produced "Turn You On" breaks away from the glossy pop sheen of the main album, letting the band return to a gritty, raw garage-rock disposition. Farr’s guitar crunch carries a jagged, biting edge that slices through the rhythm section with real punk defiance, while the excellent "Different Daze" stretches into a moody, atmospheric jangle that ranks among the most sophisticated deep cuts in their entire catalog. These tracks provide a thrillingly unpolished counterweight to the title track, reminding listeners of the fierce independent rock roots that originally caught the attention of John Peel.

The physical presentation of the EP elevates its status from a standard commercial single to a high-end art piece. Whether holding the standard pressing or the spectacular, single-sided BLONDQ3 limited edition—which leaves the entire back side of the vinyl completely blank to showcase an intricately etched band logo—the artifact screams premium archival care. Housed in a beautifully vibrant, die-cut picture sleeve, it stands as an iconic emblem of pre-Britpop British indie design. Ultimately, Let's Go Round There is an indispensable piece of vinyl history—a flawlessly balanced, beautifully archived package that captures a legendary pop-rock outfit at the absolute absolute peak of their creative confidence.

Ripped to MP3

A1: "Let's Go Round There" (Album Version) — 3:22

B1: "Turn You On" — 2:53

B2: "Different Daze" — 3:58