Sioux Falls natives We All Have Hooks For Hands new free EP is called Girls. It’s a breezy, fuzzy folk-pop record with fluid melodies and playful lyrics. Clocking in at just under 20 minutes, Girls doesn’t get old before the EP has run its course.
The opener "Changes" is a fun-inducing feel-gooder with a whiny twinge. There’s plenty of South Dakota (read Midwest) angst, "It’s not like it’s just this town that needs adjusted," and it’s full of nifty rhythms and riffs, much like the rest of the EP.
After the quick and witty opener, the title track falls a bit flat. There’s not a really neat moment until about two minutes into the song. That being said, the song is still solid, it just lacks sparkle at times.
The three tracks that follow are the highlights of the album. "Amy’s Room" is one part Blitzen Trapper (QRO live review) and two parts Arctic Monkeys (QRO album review) with a rolling rhythmic river of instruments and wailing vocalists. That is followed by a country-sing-along-in-the-best-way with "Trapped". Both are well done, and both utilize the relative large-ness of WAHHFH (9+ members) to foster that full sound which permeates Girls.
The horn-laden "Games" is a closing fanfare. It’s a variable parade of a track, and a fitting way to finish out an EP that fits together so well. Still, Girls is by no means perfect. The breakdowns can feel slightly self-indulgent and the album lacks a real home run piece. But those flaws don’t nullify the unarguable charm of the album, its bright dirty hooks and its clever rhythmic deviances.
Girls is a quality EP. It doesn’t dwell too long on any one idea, and can bring forth moments of unbridled melody and energy. Even if just for those moments, We All Have Hooks For Hands have made a solid record.
MP3 Stream: "Amy’s Room"
