This acoustic Brooklyn trio serves up a tasty appetizer to what could be one of 2012’s most ear-tingling albums. Despite their name, High Highs, this Brooklyn group’s acoustic balladry evokes rainy day melancholy enriched by utterly magnetic melodies. Their talent to infuse these melodies with low-tempo, velvet rhythms shines on their self-titled EP, a disarming collection of songs that are plenty to build hope on.
The band’s four-track release has seamlessly quiet energy as they mix gentle acoustic strums with airy, swaying rhythms. Across each tune, they delicately twist the way in which drums, synths, and guitars play roles, like rolling over into different positions on a couch. "Open Season" is sparkling in its restraint: upbeat acoustic pop that perfectly holds the reins back, while "Ivy" is a breathy lullaby ingeniously wrapped in reverb. The group’s ability to write understated gems is on full display on this charmingly well-crafted EP.
