On first listen, I almost made the mistake of writing this EP off. I think it had something to do with it just having three original tracks and a cover… I was a little suss. It wasn’t till the second run through and the subsequent 15 following that I realized how damn good these four songs were. In particular the three originals. I have always liked this band, but I have wanted to love them. Those big fat guitars, the slicked back hair and that husky voice. After the second listen to these songs I realized they are songs I always wanted from The Hello Morning. The ones I knew they could always make. They had eluded to them with tunes like It Gets The Better and Don’t Let It but I was never reaching straight for the repeat button when they finished. These fucking songs, haaaawt dawwwwgy.
Tie That Binds is a country rock and rolling delight with some tasty reoccurring riffery and those trademark scratchy but spot on vocals. The chorus kicks and keeps kicking and there’s some quality ivory and organ lurking in the shadows. But not too distantly or anything. In fact all the levels are spot the fuck on. The production is spot the fuck on. Next to bat is Stay Awake. A ballad. A perfect ballad. What could be identified as slightly cheesy chords, but the difference between a good band and a bad band is making those chords sound completely natural, sin cheese. Reminiscent of a down and out Springsteen, the song plots along and then pokes its head out with another cracking chorus. I recommend smoking a funny cigarette and sitting in a dark room with some headphones on. This song is ear porn. Reckon I’ve been positive about the first two tunes? Well strap yourself in, because third in line, The Closer is the best song I’ve heard this year. Again, chords you know. Chords that are synonymous with alt-country. It’s a slow burning seething self analyzing ditty that keeps giving. You think you’ve hit the chorus… you haven’t… getting better, you think you’ve hit it for sure this time, you haven’t, gets better again and then yes, the chorus. And the guitar solo? Its creepy perfection. Burning holes in the song before launching into another delicious chorus.
The EP round off is a nice cover of Jackson with Ali Barter. It’s a nice rendition, but for the moment, for me, its 1, 2, 3 and repeat. And repeat. And repeat.
BY JACK PARSONS
Best Track: The Closer
If You Like These, You’ll Like This: DOWNHILLS HOME, WAGONS
In A Word: Yum
