after signing a record contract with distiller records the band set about writing towards their debut release. on 26 october 2009 sound of guns released their first ep, "elementary of youth", through distiller records. it was available on a 7" gatefold single, which included a cd, the band's own fanzine "retail rodeo" and digital download. it consisted of four tracks, "elementary of youth", "lightspeed" (both mixed by dave eringa (manic street preachers/idlewild)), "dead sea scrolls" and "gallantry". the lead track "elementary of youth" was quickly picked up by bbc radio 1's zane lowe and given the title of 'hottest record in the world' as well as xfm's 'single of the week' by steve harris.